In a landmark announcement, President Netumbo Nandi‑Ndaitwah confirmed that all public tertiary education in Namibia—including universities and vocational institutions—will be completely free starting in 2026. The decision is part of a broader reform to eliminate inequality and build a knowledge-driven economy. The news sparked celebration among students and educators, with many praising it as a revolutionary step for Southern Africa.
This move will remove tuition fees and increase government investment in teacher training, infrastructure, and research. Critics have questioned how sustainable the policy will be, but the government insists that funds have already been budgeted from mining and tourism revenues. With enrollment expected to surge, the education ministry has promised a phased infrastructure rollout to prevent overcrowding. Namibia is now being cited as a model for progressive education policy on the continent.
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