Namibia has taken a defining step in reshaping its educational landscape, making tertiary education at state institutions entirely free of tuition and registration fees from 2026. The reform builds on an earlier foundation of free public primary and secondary schooling, extending it into the higher education sphere. For years, parents and learners had raised concerns about the affordability of post-secondary education, and the policy responds to those long-standing calls by ensuring that tuition no longer stands as a barrier.
The country’s president, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, emphasised that the roll-out will follow a gradual, phased-in approach, with initial contributions from students going towards accommodation and other related costs.
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By removing these costs at universities, colleges, and vocational training centres, Namibia signals an intention to tackle deep-seated issues of youth unemployment, poverty, and inequality. It marks a recognition that accessible education is not merely a social service, but a strategic lever for economic renewal.
Namibia faces one of the highest youth unemployment rates in sub-Saharan Africa. The overall unemployment rate is estimated at 36.9 per cent, but the figures are far worse for the young. For those aged 15–35, unemployment stands at about 45 per cent, and within the 15–24 age group, more than half are unemployed.
Added to this, a striking proportion of Namibian youth are classified as “NEET” not in employment, education or training. Nearly 42 per cent of those aged 15–24 fall into this category, reflecting discouragement and systemic exclusion. This is not just an economic concern; it is a social risk, leaving a large generation sidelined from national progress.
How Free University Could Alter the System
The removal of tuition fees addresses a practical but powerful barrier. Previously, students at public universities paid between N$1,900 and N$3,000 for undergraduate registration, with some courses demanding as much as N$4,500. For low-income households, this was a significant deterrent. Free access now widens the gate for students who may have otherwise been forced to abandon or postpone studies.
By applying the reform not only to universities but also to the seven state-run vocational training centres, Namibia places emphasis on skills that are directly relevant to the labour market. Technical and vocational education has long been recognised as a pathway to address skills shortages in industries ranging from construction to renewable energy. Free access here could ensure more young people acquire employable, job-ready skills.
The high number of youths outside education and work reflects a pool of untapped potential. By offering an affordable route back into structured learning, Namibia may be able to draw part of this group into productive participation. If even a fraction of the current NEET segment is re-engaged, the long-term effects on employability and social stability could be significant.
The Storm Clouds to Watch
While the reform holds promise, the path ahead is not without obstacles. The first concern is funding and sustainability. The cost of free tertiary education is considerable. It requires not only the removal of fees but also sustainable state financing to maintain quality. Namibia’s economic growth, hovering around 4.5 per cent in recent forecasts, must withstand the strain of higher education costs amid competing national priorities.
Non-tuition costs are another pressing issue. Tuition fees are only part of the expense of higher learning. Students will continue to face costs for accommodation, transport, books, and meals. For those in rural areas, these non-tuition expenses remain a hurdle. Unless addressed, free tuition may not translate into truly equal access.
There is also the challenge of ensuring quality alongside access. Increased enrolment could strain facilities, staff, and infrastructure. Without adequate investment in faculty, laboratories, and student support, the quality of education may be compromised, undermining the very promise of the reform.
Finally, the link between education and employment must be carefully managed. Education alone does not guarantee employment. Unless curricula and training align with economic opportunities, graduates may continue to face underemployment or unemployment. This risk underscores the importance of strong connections between universities, vocational centres, and industry.
Lessons and Insights from Beyond Namibia
Namibia is not alone in grappling with the trade-off between access and quality. In Scandinavia, free university education has been sustained through strong welfare systems and taxation, producing high enrolment and employment outcomes. In contrast, countries that introduced free tuition without sufficient funding for infrastructure and job creation have often seen graduates emerge into saturated or stagnant labour markets.
Namibia’s approach combining university and vocational training, suggests an awareness of these lessons. By diversifying education pathways, the country acknowledges that not all employment challenges are solved by academic degrees alone.
What This Could Mean
If effectively implemented, free tertiary education could trigger a ripple effect. More young Namibians could acquire qualifications and skills, the NEET category could shrink, and the labour market could benefit from a more skilled and diverse workforce. Over time, this could contribute to lowering the youth unemployment rate and drive economic diversification.
At the national level, the reform aligns with broader ambitions such as Vision 2030 and the National Development Plan, which aims to raise the employment rate to 75 per cent by the end of the decade. Whether this ambition is realised will depend on sustained investment, deliberate planning, and close coordination with the private sector.
Across the world, free education reforms are assessed by their financial integrity, inclusiveness, and sustainability. For Namibia, this means securing enough funds to maintain quality while ensuring access goes beyond simply waiving tuition fees. It also means addressing the hidden costs of education such as accommodation and materials, which can still exclude poorer households.
Quality assurance is another benchmark. Expanding access must go hand in hand with investments in teaching, infrastructure, and student support. Without this, the value of a degree or vocational certificate risks being eroded.
Labour market alignment forms a third measure of success. The relevance of education must be continually assessed against the needs of the economy, with stronger links to industries that can absorb graduates. Robust systems for monitoring and evaluation will be necessary to ensure that policies remain adaptive and responsive to shifting realities.
Finally, education must be part of a broader ecosystem. Free tuition on its own will not generate jobs. The policy must complement industrial development, support for small businesses, investment in infrastructure, and encouragement for entrepreneurship and innovation.
Between Promise and Precision
The decision to remove tuition and registration fees from tertiary education has the potential to transform Namibia’s youth landscape. It promises to widen access, encourage skill development, and reduce the share of young people left outside education and employment.
Yet, the reform is not a silver bullet. It requires careful balancing of fiscal capacity, infrastructure, quality, and job creation. The measure could either mark the beginning of a generation empowered to drive Namibia’s economic renewal, or risk being remembered as an ambitious promise that fell short.
