Namibia: A Revolutionary Step in Education – Free University Education Starting in 2026

Éditorial : Reda El ghazal

Announcing a historic shift, Namibia’s newly elected president, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, revealed last Thursday that starting in the 2026 academic year, higher education will be entirely free at public universities and technical training centers across the country. This groundbreaking decision aims to eliminate all tuition and enrollment fees, making tertiary education more accessible and inclusive for all Namibians.

Currently, education is free at the primary and secondary levels, although families still bear costs related to uniforms, school supplies, and accommodation.
This ambitious educational reform is part of a broader social development strategy to empower the youth and address the country’s pressing issue of high youth unemployment, which stands at 44.4%. With nearly 2.1 million people under the age of 35, this decision is seen as critical to ensuring a more sustainable future for the nation’s young population.

During her State of the Nation address, President Nandi-Ndaitwah also announced several key initiatives, including a fund of 257 million Namibian dollars (approximately 13.7 million USD) to support youth-led small businesses. Furthermore, the government will launch a national internship program and initiate a housing project aimed at building 10,000 affordable homes annually to address the housing crisis.

These initiatives are part of a comprehensive vision to create a more equitable, dynamic, and future-oriented Namibia.