Namibia’s New Leader Promises Free Education

(Xinhua) -- Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on Thursday said the country will provide free university education starting in 2026, as part of broader efforts to empower the youth and address unemployment.

Delivering her first State of the Nation Address (SONA), Nandi-Ndaitwah said the government will cover 100 percent of registration and tuition fees at all public universities and vocational training centers from 2026.

"While tertiary education in Namibia is already significantly subsidized, I am pleased to announce that from the next academic year, commencing 2026, tertiary education will become 100 percent subsidized by the government," she said.

Some analysts have raised concerns about Budget constraints, the labour market's ability to absorb all graduates, and institutions' capacity to handle an influx of students.