SWAKOPMUND – Namibia needs a skilled, adaptable and innovative workforce to support major economic transformation. This is according to the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) senior education officer Ezekiel Nauta, who was speaking at the opening of the two-day review meeting of the National TVET Policy of 2021.
The policy aims to develop a skilled, adaptable, and innovative workforce to meet Namibia’s evolving economic needs. It focuses on improving the quality of training, expanding access, strengthening governance, and promoting research, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The policy ensures that TVET programmes are aligned with national priorities, responsive to industry needs, and accessible to all youth, supporting Namibia’s broader development goals.
The two-day meeting is attended by government officials, training providers, unions, employers, and development partners to assess progress under the 2021 policy. They are expected to identify gaps and outstanding challenges that could slow the implementation of critical reforms through the TVET policy.
According to Nauta, Namibia is entering a new economic phase, driven by emerging sectors such as the green hydrogen programme, oil and gas exploration, and other large-scale industrial projects. He says these developments demand a responsive training system that can quickly align with national priorities and assist government in its economic transformation quest as well as job creation.
“Our TVET system must be forward-looking. The opportunities unfolding in the energy and industrial sectors require young people who can innovate, adapt and contribute meaningfully to economic growth,” he said. Nauta explained that improving governance, enhancing training quality, and expanding access to technical and vocational education remain central to the sector’s goals to equip Namibians with skills needed in the emerging sectors.
“This review allows us to take stock of where we are, where we are falling short, and what needs to be strengthened. We must address gaps, improve collaboration with industry and ensure that training programmes are relevant and accessible to all our youth,” he said.
Nauta said the policy review provides a unique opportunity to examine ways to promote research, innovation, and entrepreneurship within the TVET sector.
He added that strengthening these areas will equip young Namibians to respond to new national and global skills trends.
“Hence, your insights and expertise are vital. Together, we can shape a future-ready TVET system that supports Namibia’s broader development goals, including Vision 2030, NDP5, the Harambee Prosperity Plan and the upcoming NDP6,” Nauta said.
edeklerk@nepc.com.na