Africa-Press – Namibia. PRIME MINISTER Dr Elijah Ngurare has officially launched Namibia’s National Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Policy 2025–2030, aimed at bridging the gap between education and employment by equipping young people with practical workplace experience.
Speaking at the launch in Windhoek, Ngurare said the policy marks a significant step towards addressing youth unemployment and aligning education with labour market needs. He added that while Namibia has prioritised education since independence, many graduates still struggle to transition into the workforce due to limited practical exposure.
“The policy is about ensuring that when a young person graduates, they not only hold a certificate but also carry practical experience, confidence, and professional discipline,” Ngurare said.
The WIL Policy provides a national framework to integrate workplace learning into formal education and training, with defined roles, governance structures, and quality assurance mechanisms to ensure consistency across institutions. It aims to move Namibia from fragmented training initiatives to a coordinated system that combines theoretical learning with hands-on experience.
Ngurare emphasised that the success of the policy will depend on strong collaboration between government, the private sector, and education institutions. He called on public institutions to expand placement opportunities for students, including in rural areas, while urging businesses to open their workplaces for structured internships and apprenticeships.
He also encouraged universities and vocational training centres to embed work-integrated learning into their curricula, while regulatory bodies were urged to maintain standards that ensure accountability and impact.
The Prime Minister said the policy is aligned with Namibia’s Vision 2030 and the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6), which require a skilled and adaptable workforce to drive economic growth, industrialisation, and innovation.
The expected outcomes of the policy include improved graduate employability, stronger alignment between training and industry needs, enhanced collaboration between education providers and employers, and a unified national approach to skills development.
Ngurare concluded that the initiative is key to creating opportunities for young people and strengthening national competitiveness, adding that education and industry must work together to build a more inclusive and prosperous Namibia.
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