Namibia's new president announces free university education starting in 2026
Windhoek, Namibia (AP) – Namibia's new president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah announced Thursday that her administration will launch free higher education at state universities and technical colleges starting next year.
Nandi-Ndaitwah was sworn in as Namibia's first female leader last month, and he made the announcement when he made his national remarks to the parliament.
“I am pleased to announce that starting from the next school year and starting in 2026, higher education will be 100% subsidized by the government,” she said.
Namibia already offers free education in public primary and high schools, although parents usually still have to pay for school uniforms, stationery, books and hotel fees.
The new policy will cancel tuition and registration fees for universities and universities. Over the years, the government has called for subsidies for education at all levels in countries with about 3 million people in southern Africa.
“We heard your cry,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said. She said the policy aims to improve opportunities for young people in the context of youth unemployment and poverty. According to official data, about 2.1 million Namibians are under the age of 35.
Two of the seven universities in Namibia are state campaigning and will provide free education under the policy. Its seven vocational training centers are all government-run and will no longer charge tuition fees.
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