Namibia has officially sent off 17 young professionals to the 48th WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai, China.
Addressing the send-off ceremony in Windhoek on Monday, president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah emphasised that technical and vocational education and training (TVET) sits at the very core of Namibia’s economic transformation.
‘’As the country moves into strategic emerging sectors such as green hydrogen, oil and gas, renewable energy, advanced manufacturing and digital technology, national progress relies heavily on an innovative, adaptable and globally competitive workforce.”
She added that the eighth administration continues to prioritise youth empowerment and quality education.
“These priorities serve as the foundation for achieving the objectives of the Sixth National Development Plan, particularly under the human development and community resilience pillar, driving the nation towards Vision 2030.”
To ensure alignment with evolving industry demands, the president called on institutions responsible for human resource development to carry out regular skills audits and labour market analyses to proactively address skills gaps across the country.
Speaking directly to the competitors, the president dismantled the misconception that vocational education is merely a secondary option, affirming it as a crucial driver of national growth.
“Your participation in WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 is proof that TVET is not a backup plan, but rather an important key to our economic transformation. You represent the future we are building,” she said.
