Namibia to Provide Free University Education: Windhoek: On Thursday, Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah declared that the nation will implement free university education beginning in 2026 as part of a larger initiative to empower the youth and tackle unemployment.
In her inaugural State of the Nation Address (SONA), Nandi-Ndaitwah indicated that the government intends to fully subsidise registration and tuition fees at all public universities and vocational training institutions from 2026 onwards.
“Although higher education in Namibia is already substantially subsidised, I am delighted to share that starting from the next academic year in 2026, the government will cover all costs associated with tertiary education,” she stated.
The president also introduced a fund of 257 million Namibian dollars (approximately 13.7 million U.S. dollars) designated for specific support to informal and micro businesses owned by youth.
According to the Namibia Statistics Agency, youth unemployment in Namibia is currently at 44.4 percent. Nandi-Ndaitwah emphasised that combating unemployment is a primary focus for the eighth administration.
This year will see the launch of a national youth internship and apprenticeship program designed to provide young individuals with work experience in both the public and private sectors.
Additionally, Nandi-Ndaitwah announced plans to construct 10,000 low-cost housing units each year to alleviate the country’s housing shortage and enhance living conditions in informal settlements.
The president also mentioned that discussions will commence this year regarding the establishment of a nuclear energy facility, noting that the oil and gas sector has been reassigned to the Presidency to expedite the onset of oil production and bolster infrastructure development.
Thursday’s SONA was Nandi-Ndaitwah’s first since she took office as the fifth president of Namibia in March.
