President Nandi-Ndaitwah Sends Team Namibia to WorldSkills Shanghai 2026

Windhoek, 14 September 2026.

Statement by Her Excellency Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of the Republic of Namibia, at the official send-off of Team Namibia to the WorldSkills Competition Shanghai 2026.

Director of Ceremonies;

Hon. Dino Ballotti, Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation, Sports, Youth, Arts and Culture;

Mr. Erick Fundula Nenghwanya, Chief Executive Officer of the Namibia Training Authority and WorldSkills Namibia Official Delegate;

Mr. Sens Shoolongo, Manager: WorldSkills Namibia and Technical Delegate;

Experts and Team Officials;

Training Institutions and Industry Partners;

Esteemed Competitors;

Distinguished Invited Guests;

Members of the Media;

Ladies and Gentlemen.

Today, we are sending off 17 brilliant young minds to fly Namibia’s flag high at the 48th WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai, People’s Republic of China.

I am told this competition was founded in the year 1950. WorldSkills is one of the largest international vocational skills events globally and is often referred to as the Skills Olympics, owing to the kind of expertise it brings under one roof.

In this room, we have a brilliant kaleidoscope of modern Namibia, comprised of young professionals who are skilled in technical and vocational disciplines.

Our country presently stands at an important moment in its development as we are actively building an inclusive, resilient economy to create sustainable opportunities, strengthen local industries and empower our people to meaningfully drive national growth.

Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sits at the very heart of this national ambition. As Namibia advances into strategic emerging sectors of green hydrogen, oil and gas, renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, and digital technology, our success depends heavily on a skilled workforce that is innovative, adaptable, and globally competitive.

The Government is committed to empowering TVET institutions to play a central role in shaping our nation’s future. These institutions are tasked with equipping Namibians with the practical skills, technical expertise, and adaptive capabilities that align with the evolving needs of our labour market.

Our efforts guarantee that TVET remains responsive and relevant, preparing our people for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

In today’s rapidly changing global landscape, innovation and adaptability are indispensable to our collective success.

The 8th Administration prioritises youth empowerment and quality education and training. These priorities drive us forward and serve as the foundation for achieving the broader objectives of the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6), particularly under the Human Development and Community Resilience pillar.

In this regard, our journey toward Vision 2030 requires a resilient and dynamic TVET system. The system is designed to equip Namibians to excel in both current and emerging sectors.

Through sustained commitment to education, skills development, and alignment with our national priorities, we enable our citizens to contribute meaningfully to the growth of Namibia. In doing so, we ensure that our nation remains resilient, competitive, and united as we pursue shared prosperity.

I implore relevant institutions responsible for human resource development in the country to conduct regular skills audits and labour market analyses to anticipate and address skills gaps, ensuring that Namibia’s workforce is aligned with both national and global demands, as set out in Vision 2030.

To our competitors, your participation in WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 is proof that TVET is not a backup plan, but rather an important key to our economic transformation. You represent the future we are building.

You have earned your place on this international stage through long hours of training and hard work; therefore, you deserve to be there.

I urge you all to compete with confidence and courage. Do not be intimidated by the scale of the global stage or the established records of other nations. Stand tall and remember your identity.

I wish you every success in Shanghai, and may God richly bless Team Namibia.

I thank you.

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