Namibia has taken a historic step by announcing that public higher education will be fully free starting in the 2026 academic year. This decision, unveiled by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah during her first State of the Nation Address, marks a major turning point in the country’s education policy and responds to the aspirations of its youth.
An ambitious reform for the future of young people
The first woman elected to lead Namibia, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, declared before Parliament: “I have the pleasure to announce that, starting with the next academic year, beginning in 2026, higher education will be fully subsidized by the state. This means that there will no longer be any registration or tuition fees at public universities and technical and vocational training centers“.
This measure is in line with Namibia’s education policy, which already offers free education in public primary and secondary schools. From now on, the country’s two public universities and seven vocational training centers will be accessible without tuition or registration fees.
A lever against unemployment and poverty
With approximately 70% of its population under the age of 35, Namibia faces a youth unemployment rate estimated at 44.4%. Free higher education aims to:
- Improve access to education
- Strengthen the skills of young people
- Stimulate the national economy
At the same time, the President announced the launch of a national internship and apprenticeship program in 2025. It is intended to provide young people with work experience in the public and private sectors. A 13.7 million USD fund will also be established to support informal businesses and youth-owned microenterprises.
Challenges and Opportunities
While this reform is hailed as a major step forward, its implementation raises questions regarding the financing and quality of education. The President specified that the funds would come from existing grants awarded to public universities and the Namibia Student Financial Aid Fund (NSFAF).
Critics question the feasibility of this measure without a significant increase in the budget allocated to higher education. However, the government claims that this initiative is a direct response to the demands of students and families, and that it constitutes an investment in the country’s future.
An inspiration for the African continent
By opting for full ownership of public higher education, Namibia is positioning itself as a progressive model in Africa. This bold decision could inspire other nations on the continent to rethink their education policies to promote inclusion and socioeconomic development.
The reform announced by President Nandi-Ndaitwah sends a strong message: education is a fundamental right and an essential tool for transforming society. By investing in its youth, Namibia is committed to a more equitable and prosperous future for all.
