The Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) officially opened its 2025 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Conference at the Arebbusch Travel Lodge in Windhoek on Wednesday, 22 October 2025. Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof Andrew Niikondo, warmly welcomed attendees to the conference themed, ‘Advancing TVET for a Sustainable Future: Innovation, Partnerships, and Skills Development’, underscoring its critical role in shaping Namibia’s development trajectory.
Prof Niikondo highlighted the convergence of policymakers, academics, industry leaders, and training institutions as a testament to the shared commitment toward a resilient and inclusive TVET ecosystem that addresses both national priorities and global opportunities. Emphasizing TVET’s central role in Namibia’s development agenda, he described it as more than a pathway to employment; it is a catalyst for economic diversification, industrial growth, and social equity through innovation and collaboration.
A flagship initiative illustrating this vision is the Innovating Green Networks through Industry and TVET Empowerment for Green Hydrogen (IGNITE GH2) project, led by the NUST TVET Department. This project aims to develop a skilled workforce to support Namibia’s emerging green hydrogen economy, promoting job creation and entrepreneurship in partnership with Hyphen Hydrogen Energy (Pty) Ltd, Zhero, and local training and industry stakeholders in the Erongo Region’s Tsau //Khaeb National Park.
IGNITE GH2 focuses on vocational training programs aligned with industry demands, including Solar Photovoltaic Installation and Maintenance, Water Care, Road Construction and Maintenance, and Civil and Building Services Engineering, specifically supporting the Southern Corridor Development Initiative (SCDI) Namibian Green Hydrogen Project. The project also bridges training with practical application through Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) and applied research.
To sustain progress, NUST is developing short courses to upskill trainers to NQF Level 6 and advanced qualifications at Levels 7 and 8, ensuring trainers meet rigorous industry standards. Additionally, Namibia’s first Bachelor and Honours degrees in TVET Renewable Energy, with an emphasis on solar technology, are in development—marking a milestone in preparing educators to lead in the nation’s energy transition.
Prof Niikondo reaffirmed NUST’s dedication to aligning TVET efforts with the National TVET Policy of 2021 and the National Energy Policy, building competencies essential for an inclusive, technologically advanced, and sustainable Namibia.
He also expressed gratitude to conference supporters, notably the ProTVET III Programme, and other key stakeholders for their roles in strengthening Namibia’s TVET ecosystem through capacity building, curriculum innovation, and international collaboration.
Concluding, he urged participants to embrace innovation, partnership, and skills development as the driving forces for Namibia’s sustainable future, wishing the conference every success in achieving its goals.
