Namibia is set to significantly expand its technical and vocational education and training (TVET) system under a N$5.62 billion African Development Bank (AfDB)-backed programme that will modernise vocational institutions, establish a National Artificial Intelligence Institute and create 15,000 workplace opportunities for young people by 2030.
According to the AfDB’s Environmental and Social Systems Assessment (ESSA) report, the Namibia Skills for Employability and Job Creation Programme will run from the second quarter of 2026 to the fourth quarter of 2030 with an indicative budget of UA230 million, equivalent to approximately US$316 million or N$5.62 billion.
The AfDB will make an initial disbursement of UA57 million, or about US$78 million (approximately N$1.3 billion), once the programme becomes effective.
The remaining funding will be released in phases after independently verified performance targets have been achieved.
The programme is intended to reduce critical skills shortages, strengthen technical education and improve youth employability as Namibia works towards its target of creating 500,000 jobs by 2030 under the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6).
A key component of the initiative will focus on expanding Namibia’s TVET infrastructure.
According to the report, the programme will expand eight existing Vocational Training Centres (VTCs), construct and operationalise a new VTC at Omuthiya, establish a National Assessment and Technology Transfer Centre, and modernise facilities at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) and the University of Namibia (UNAM).
It will also convert four state-owned VTCs into accredited TVET colleges offering diploma programmes, develop industry-led training programmes in 55% of identified priority sectors, train 75% of TVET trainers, technical teachers and managers, and establish a National Training Fund to strengthen the sector.
Youth employment forms another major pillar of the programme, with targets to place 10,000 young people in internships and a further 5,000 in apprenticeships.
Business development support, start-up assistance and access to finance will also be expanded through the National Youth Fund, Youth Credit Scheme and agricultural cooperatives operating across Namibia’s 121 constituencies.
To strengthen entrepreneurship, the programme will construct or upgrade four Multipurpose Youth Centres, establish three Youth Skills Training Centres and repurpose eight industrial parks into skills development, business incubation and market access hubs.
The programme also targets the development of value chains in manufacturing, green hydrogen, tourism, gaming and the circular economy, while supporting youth-owned enterprises and increasing local participation in Namibia’s emerging green hydrogen industry.
Digital transformation is another major focus of the programme.
The AfDB said the initiative will establish a National Artificial Intelligence Institute, construct a National Data Centre, introduce a national digital platform to track youth skills and employment outcomes, and accelerate the digitalisation of public services across participating institutions.
In higher education, the programme aims to align 710 qualifications with emerging industry requirements through the National Qualifications Framework.
Capacity-building measures include training and certifying 600 TVET managers, trainers and technical teachers, while 2,500 higher education lecturers and researchers will complete continuous professional development and upskilling programmes.
The report also outlines plans to strengthen digital service delivery through training for officials from the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture and regional youth officers, alongside the development of digital dashboards, secure data exchange systems and analytical tools to improve evidence-based planning.
According to the AfDB, the programme is structured around three strategic pillars: skills development and education infrastructure; youth entrepreneurship, MSME development and job creation; and institutional strengthening, digital transformation and youth service readiness.
