Namibia’s New President Scraps University Fees from 2026 But Can the Country Afford It?

Namibia’s newly inaugurated President, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, has announced a bold plan to eliminate university tuition fees starting in 2026. The move, which will make public tertiary education free, has sparked national celebration and intense debate.

During her first State of the Nation address, President Nandi-Ndaitwah declared that free education should not end with secondary school. With this new policy, the Namibian government aims to remove tuition and registration fees at state-run universities and vocational training institutions, building on its previous commitment to free primary and secondary education. “The fees have fallen,” she said confidently — a phrase now echoed in headlines and social media across the nation.

Namibia has a young population of nearly 70% under the age of 35 and the promise of free higher education is being seen as a significant step toward unlocking their potential. Many see the initiative as a progressive tool for reducing poverty, increasing employability, and correcting generational inequalities in access to education. Student unions and youth groups have hailed the announcement as “a dream come true.” But not everyone is convinced, despite the optimism, questions around feasibility are mounting. 

Namibia, like many African nations, faces significant budgetary constraints, and the higher education sector already struggles with underfunding. Critics argue that scrapping tuition fees could lead to overcrowded lecture halls, dilapidated infrastructure, brain drain if academic salaries stagnate or shrink, lowered education quality due to lack of investment. Without a clear explanation of where the funds will come from, many wonder whether the government will be forced to reallocate resources from other critical sectors, such as health and housing. As of now, the announcement lacks a concrete implementation plan. No figures have been released on how much the scheme will cost annually, which budget lines will be restructured, whether the policy covers all tertiary costs or just tuition. Without these specifics, experts have labeled the policy “ambitious but vague.”

President Nandi-Ndaitwah’s vision is undoubtedly bold and it aligns with a growing global movement that sees education as a fundamental right rather than a privilege. However, implementation will determine success. If managed strategically, the policy could transform Namibia’s economy and social landscape. But if rushed or underfunded, it risks overwhelming the very system it aims to improve.

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