Balancing tertiary education and vocational training in Namibia’s industrialisation strategy

Namibia’s Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6) aims to create over 80 000 manufacturing jobs by 2030, up from 53 491 in 2024, to boost manufacturing’s GDP share from 10.6% to 18%, and its export contribution from 42% to 60%. However, a key question arises: is Namibia’s focus on tertiary education, rather than vocational training, the right approach to support this industrialisation strategy?



Despite increased access to higher education, Namibia faces a mismatch between the growing number of university graduates and the labour market’s needs, especially in non-technical fields like social sciences. Industries vital for industrialisation, such as manufacturing and renewable energy, struggle to find skilled workers. While the government’s plan for free tertiary education from 2026 is positive, it could worsen graduate unemployment unless paired with vocational education reforms.



Global Lessons:



The US has faced a skills gap in manufacturing and trades due to an overemphasis on academic qualifications. In contrast, Germany and Switzerland offer a dual education system combining vocational and academic training, ensuring a steady supply of skilled workers for their manufacturing sectors.



Policy Recommendations for Namibia:



Expand Vocational Education: Strengthen vocational training to meet the demands of key sectors like construction, manufacturing, and renewable energy. Creating technical training centres and industry partnerships will ensure students gain job-ready skills.



Hybrid Education Models: Develop programs that combine academic learning with vocational training, allowing students to gain both theoretical knowledge and practical experience.



Create Job Opportunities: In sectors like renewable energy and construction, the government should foster job creation and private sector investment to absorb the skilled workforce.



Address Stigma Around Vocational Training: Shift public perceptions by promoting success stories of skilled tradespeople and emphasising the high demand for technical expertise.



Conclusion:



To achieve its industrialisation goals, Namibia must balance its focus on tertiary education with a strong emphasis on vocational training. Integrating both educational approaches will ensure the country develops a workforce capable of driving economic growth and job creation in key industries.