Windhoek, Namibia – In a bold move, Namibia’s first female president, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, has promised to make university education free for all students starting in 2026. This announcement, made during her first State of the Nation Address in April 2025, has sparked excitement and hope among the youth of this southern African nation. But can Namibia, a country of just over 3 million people, really make this dream a reality?
A Big Promise for Young Namibians
Namibia already offers free primary and secondary education in public schools, though parents still pay for things like uniforms and books. Now, President Nandi-Ndaitwah wants to take it a step further by removing tuition and registration fees at public universities and technical colleges. “We have heard your cries: ‘Fees have fallen’,” she said, referring to years of student protests demanding affordable education.
This policy targets Namibia’s two state-run universities, the University of Namibia (UNAM) and the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), along with seven government-owned vocational training centres. The goal is to help young people, especially those from poor families, access higher education and build a better future. With over 2 million Namibians under the age of 35, this could change many lives.
Why This Matters
Education is a big challenge in Namibia, where many talented students cannot afford university fees. Youth unemployment is also a problem, and the government hopes free education will lead to more skilled workers and better jobs. “This is a golden opportunity for our youth to use their talents and contribute to Namibia’s growth,” President Nandi-Ndaitwah said.
The plan has been welcomed by many. Students and university officials at UNAM and NUST are excited about the chance to study without worrying about fees. For Indian readers, this is similar to schemes like India’s Right to Education Act, which ensures free schooling for children, but Namibia’s plan goes further by targeting higher education.
The Big Question: Where Will the Money Come From?
While the promise is exciting, many are asking how Namibia will pay for it. The government says it will fully fund tuition and registration fees, but students will still need to cover living costs like accommodation and food. Some experts, like those from the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), believe Namibia’s tax revenue could support this plan. They estimate the government might have a surplus of over N$1.5 billion (about ₹8,500 crore) to fund universities like UNAM, NUST, and the Namibia College of Open Learning (Namcol).
However, others are not so sure. Critics, like the Affirmative Repositioning Student Command (ARSC), call the announcement vague. They ask: Will this apply to all students, including post-graduates? How will the government ensure quality education? Economist Tannen Groenewald told the Windhoek Observer that more details are needed to know if this plan is realistic.
Learning from the Past
Namibia has tried to make education more affordable before. In 2017, during the #FeesMustFall protests, the government offered some fee relief, but it only helped a small number of students. Many middle-class families, who earn too much for financial aid but struggle to pay fees, were left out. This time, the government says it will phase in free education gradually to avoid past mistakes.
A special task force, including experts from UNAM, NUST, and the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund, is working on a roadmap to make this happen by 2026. Education Minister Sanet Steenkamp says the focus is on public institutions for now, but they are also looking at ways to support private colleges without harming them.
What’s Next for Namibia?
The free education plan is a big step for Namibia, but it comes with challenges. The government must find enough money, ensure universities can handle more students, and create jobs for graduates. For now, students applying for 2026 must still pay fees until the new policy starts.
For Indian audiences, Namibia’s plan is a reminder of the importance of education in fighting poverty and unemployment. If successful, it could inspire other countries to follow. But as Namibia moves forward, the world is watching to see if this bold promise can truly make university free for all.
Last Updated on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 1:05 pm by M.Deepak Reddy
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