Government forms task force for free tertiary education by 2026

Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts & Culture, Sanet Steenkamp

The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts & Culture has established a national task force to develop a detailed plan for implementing free tertiary education in Namibia by 2026.

This development follows President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s commitment during her State of the Nation Address, where she announced that tuition fees for higher education will be scrapped beginning in 2026 — a landmark shift in the country’s approach to education access and youth empowerment.

Education Minister Sanet Steenkamp confirmed the formation of the task force, noting it will consult stakeholders, including universities, student unions, and financial experts, to ensure a sustainable, inclusive, and practical framework for the rollout.

“This is not just a political promise,” Steenkamp said. “It’s a generational investment. We are not only making education more accessible but building a stronger, more competitive Namibia for the future.”

Namibia University of Science & Technology campus, Windhoek

The plan is expected to address how tuition will be funded, which institutions will be covered, and how to ensure quality isn’t compromised. The task force will also look into how to prevent system overload, ensure equitable access, and support institutions in transitioning to the new model.

Education experts and analysts have cautiously welcomed the announcement, saying it’s a bold but challenging commitment that will require significant budget reallocations or new revenue streams.

Namibia follows in the footsteps of other African nations like Kenya and South Africa, where similar proposals have sparked debate on affordability, sustainability, and the role of the private sector in education.

The task force is expected to present its first report by the end of the year.