The minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture, has described technical and vocational education as a critical tool in addressing youth unemployment and promoting entrepreneurship during the launch of the Open Door Education Center (ODEC) TVET programme and stakeholders engagement forum held at Swakopmund.
Held under the theme "From education to entrepreneurship", the programme aims to equip young people with practical and industry-related skills that can lead to employment, self-resilience and business creation. Officiating at the event, Minister Sanet Steenkamp said the Erongo region's economy, which is driven by mining, fishing, logistics, tourism, construction and emerging green industries, requires a skilled workforce capable of meeting labour market demands.
Dr Steenkamp highlighted the government's plans to expand vocational training through apprenticeship programmes and community-based initiatives that will enable young people, including those in rural areas, to access quality training opportunities closer to home.
In a speech delivered on her behalf by Erongo Governor Nathalia |Goagoses, she called for stronger partnerships between training institutions and industry to ensure young people gain practical workplace experience while studying.
"I therefore encourage all stakeholders present today to use this forum to build practical partnerships. Let us identify opportunities for workplace exposure, mentorship, equipment support, certification pathways and enterprise development. Let us work together within the framework of the Work Integrated Learning Policy to ensure that our young people are equipped with the skills required to thrive in a rapidly changing economy."
Also speaking at the event was the mayor of Swakopmund, Suamma Kautondokwa, who said education remains one of the most powerful tools for transforming lives and breaking the cycle of poverty.
Education lies at the heart of Namibia's development agenda. Our president has consistently emphasised that investing in the education and skills of our youth is essential if we are to eradicate poverty, reduce inequality, and secure a prosperous future for our nation.
This vision recognises that when young people are empowered with knowledge, skills, and opportunity, they become agents of change – not only for themselves, but also for their families and communities."
The Speaker of the National Assembly, Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, said the initiative complemented national efforts to reduce poverty, promote self-reliance and empower young people to contribute meaningfully to the economy.
The programme is expected to strengthen access to vocational training and create new opportunities for youths across the Erongo Region.