WINDHOEK, Namibia – Namibia will offer free tertiary education beginning in 2026, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah announced Thursday during her maiden State of the Nation Address at Parliament in Windhoek.

Addressing lawmakers just one month into her presidency, Nandi-Ndaitwah said the government will fully subsidize registration and tuition fees at all public universities and technical and vocational education centers.

She emphasized that while accommodation and related costs would initially remain the responsibility of families and students, the phased plan marked a major step forward in making higher education accessible to all.

“We have heard your cries, ‘the fees have fallen,’” the president said, directly addressing the country’s youth. “You must use this opportunity to bring out your talents to contribute meaningfully to the development of your country and support your parents.”

Since taking office on March 21, 2025, Nandi-Ndaitwah has focused on youth empowerment, economic reforms, and poverty eradication under the theme “Unity in Diversity, Natural Resources Beneficiation and Youth Empowerment for Sustainable Development.”

She pledged that her administration would not conduct “business as usual,” but instead drive significant socioeconomic transformation.

The announcement of free tertiary education aligns with broader reforms under her leadership, which include major investments in sports infrastructure, creative industries, and initiatives to reduce unemployment and support small businesses.

Nandi-Ndaitwah’s address outlined her administration’s seven priority areas, including quality education and training, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to investing in Namibia’s future generations.

“We are too few to be poor,” she said, calling on all Namibians to work together to achieve the nation’s vision.