Experts have raised concerns that Namibia could produce more graduates than the job market can accommodate if free tertiary education is not closely tied to employability and practical training. During a recent Sanlam Allianz discussion, Statistician General Alex Shimuafeni emphasized the need for education reforms that focus on skills development, job creation, and economic diversification to ensure the long-term benefits of free tertiary education.
Shimuafeni’s remarks came after the government allocated N$663 million for the first quarter of 2026 to cover registration and tuition fees as part of the phased introduction of subsidised free tertiary education. He warned that the education system must align with the country's economic needs, pointing out that 44.4% of Namibians aged 15 to 34 are unemployed, with the figure rising to 61.4% when discouraged job seekers are included. Shimuafeni stressed that education must equip youth with the skills to meet the demand for goods and services within the economy, advocating for local procurement and opportunities for young producers.
Economist Armando Jansen of Simonis Storm echoed these concerns, urging that education reform should target sectors that can generate broad-based employment. He highlighted the need to shift focus from capital-intensive industries to sectors that offer more sustainable and widespread job opportunities for young people.
Shimuafeni’s remarks came after the government allocated N$663 million for the first quarter of 2026 to cover registration and tuition fees as part of the phased introduction of subsidised free tertiary education. He warned that the education system must align with the country's economic needs, pointing out that 44.4% of Namibians aged 15 to 34 are unemployed, with the figure rising to 61.4% when discouraged job seekers are included. Shimuafeni stressed that education must equip youth with the skills to meet the demand for goods and services within the economy, advocating for local procurement and opportunities for young producers.
Economist Armando Jansen of Simonis Storm echoed these concerns, urging that education reform should target sectors that can generate broad-based employment. He highlighted the need to shift focus from capital-intensive industries to sectors that offer more sustainable and widespread job opportunities for young people.
