Vice-President Lucia Witbooi has called on young people to be bold, consistent, and disciplined in their pursuit of knowledge and skills, describing education as the most effective weapon against poverty.

She made the remarks while launching the third round of the Youth for Green Hydrogen Scholarship Programme in Gibeon, Hardap Region.

The N$25 million scholarship programme targets youth from the Hardap and ||Kharas regions and supports vocational and technical education and training (TVET) studies aligned with Namibia’s green hydrogen transition.

The scholarship covers trades such as mechatronics, plumbing and pipe fitting, welding, solar installation and maintenance, and electrical engineering. It is coordinated by the Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme and funded under a joint communique of intent between the Namibian and German governments.

“You are not forgotten. This scholarship is for you. Your dreams, your talents, and your contributions are not only needed, they are essential,” said Witbooi. “If you are a school leaver with a passion to learn, you must have simple talks, you must listen to key words, and have passion to learn. If you are unemployed but determined to gain a skill, determine. Or if you are from a disadvantaged background and thought opportunities like these were not meant for people like you — think again. It is your turn.”

Witbooi also serves as the patron of the scholarship programme.

Education Minister Sanet Steenkamp said the initiative aligns with National Development Plan 6, which identifies industrialisation as a key pillar of long-term growth.

“Namibia is not simply observing the green revolution. We are leading it,” she said. “Our Green Industrialisation Blueprint outlines how, with coordinated efforts, this sector can double the size of our economy, create tens of thousands of jobs, and elevate our position as a continental and global leader in climate-resilient development.”

Deputy Head of Mission at the German Embassy, Florian Seitz, said the initiative demonstrates strong bilateral ties.

“Against the backdrop of global development cooperation under political pressure and increasing budgetary constraints — also in my country, unfortunately — we believe that this is a very powerful sign and fully testifies to the special relations among our two countries,” he said.

James Mnyupe of the Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme added, “All of the work that we’re doing, we are not doing it to tick boxes; we are doing it to change lives.”

The scholarship is open to young Namibians aged 18 to 35 who hold a Grade 11 certificate.