New Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah announced on Thursday, that her administration will introduce free higher education at state universities and technical colleges starting in 2026.
Nandi-Ndaitwah, sworn in as the country’s first female president last month, announced this during her State of the Nation speech to Parliament.
“I am pleased to announce that from the next academic year, commencing 2026, tertiary education will become 100% subsidised by the government,” she said.
Namibia already provides free education in public elementary and high schools, though parents typically have to pay for school uniforms, stationery, books and hostel fees.
The new policy would remove tuition and registration fees at universities and colleges.
For years, there have been calls for the government to subsidise all levels of education in the country of around 3 million people in southern Africa.
“We have heard your cries,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said.
The President said the policy aimed to improve opportunities for young people amid problems of youth unemployment and poverty. According to official figures, around 2.1 million Namibians are under 35.
Two of Namibia’s seven universities are state-run and will offer free education under the policy. Its seven government vocational training centres will no longer charge tuition fees.
