Strengthening Namibia’s TVET Skills Agenda
NUST, through its Department of Technical and Vocational Education and Training, hosted the 2025 NUST TVET Conference under the theme “Advancing Technical and Vocational Education for a Sustainable Future: Innovation, Partnerships, and Skills Development.” The hybrid event, held in Windhoek from 22–24 October 2025, brought together over 150 in-person delegates, while many others joined virtually.
A Collaborative Effort Toward a Skilled Namibia
In his remarks, Prof Andrew Niikondo, NUST Acting Vice-Chancellor, reaffirmed the University’s pivotal role in shaping Namibia’s skills development landscape. He expressed appreciation to the ProTVET III Programme, the main sponsor of the conference, for its continued support in strengthening the country’s training and education capacity through curriculum enhancement, staff development, and international collaboration.
Through keynote addresses, panel discussions, paper presentations, and practical showcases, the conference created a platform for policymakers, educators, and industry leaders to exchange insights. It also provided an opportunity to deliberate on strategies to enhance the quality, relevance, and impact of technical and vocational training in driving Namibia’s socio-economic transformation.
Aligning Skills with Labour Market Needs
Delivering the ambassadorial address on behalf of the German Ambassador to Namibia, Hauke Brankamp, Deputy Head of Development Cooperation at the German Embassy, reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to supporting Namibia’s 2021 TVET Policy. He highlighted ongoing collaboration through GIZ, the implementing agency of the Promotion of Technical Vocational Education and Training (ProTVET) project, which aligns national training initiatives with current and future workforce demands.
Brankamp further noted that GIZ ProTVET III works closely with NUST to strengthen institutional capacity for gender-responsive education, training, and staff development. This includes diversifying programme offerings, introducing more practice-oriented approaches, and promoting upskilling and reskilling initiatives for instructors.
He also emphasised the growing focus on research and innovation in the sector, supported by dedicated funding for such initiatives.
This partnership, he said, remains central to addressing Namibia’s skills shortages and promoting sustainable economic growth through innovation and entrepreneurship.
Namibia’s First NQF Level 8 Qualification in Renewable Energy
In a landmark announcement, and with the support of GIZ ProTVET, NUST introduced Namibia’s first Bachelor of TVET (Honours) in Renewable Energy (NQF Level 8), specialising in solar technology.
According to Prof Niikondo, this qualification represents a significant step toward producing educators and professionals capable of teaching, innovating, and leading in the renewable energy sector. Graduates will acquire advanced theoretical knowledge and practical expertise, ensuring Namibia remains on track to achieve its national energy and human capital development goals.
A Step Toward National Transformation
In her closing remarks, Prof Efigenia Semente, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Commerce, Human Sciences, and Education, encouraged delegates to reflect on ways to deepen collaboration between academia and industry.
She urged stakeholders to explore how academic training and Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) can be better aligned, how trainers and youth can be prepared for opportunities in the green economy, and how innovative ideas can be transformed into tangible outcomes that benefit communities.
