Higher Education, Technology, and Innovation Minister Dr. Itah Kandjii-Murangi said training and vocational education are essential drivers of any nation's social, economic, and technological innovation.
She remarked this, speaking at the Nakayale, Eenhana, and Valombola Vocational Training Centres' second joint graduation ceremony at Outapi.
Dr. Kandjii-Murangi said TVET programmes have been growing in quality and diversity, yielding impressive results as they produce graduates who possess the technological and vocational skills needed to drive productivity.
She says TVET graduates are uniquely positioned to create their own businesses because they have demonstrated creativity and resilience.
The minister stressed that determination should be a driving force for the 526 graduates who have reached the global community of technical and vocational education and training.
"I want to assure you that the government has put in place numerous support structures for youth entrepreneurship, including funding and mentoring schemes. We are also improving market access for youth businesses through public procurement preferences and international trade agreements, which will have positive impacts on employment and economic growth."
A VTC graduate, Jeremia Tulipohamba, who has since established his own company in 2018, informed graduates that the world is full of opportunities and that graduates should go out there and explore all prospects to contribute to employment creation and economic growth of this country.
"Don't limit yourself to just looking for jobs; think about how you can use your skills to create jobs, innovate, and contribute to your community."
Namibia Training Authority Board Chairperson Jerome Mutumba, in a speech delivered on his behalf, said TVET holds the key to technological progress, rapid industrialisation, wealth creation, and poverty eradication.
"By unlocking TVET power as a tool for supporting economic growth and development both at the individual and community level, we can convert our country's rising unemployment challenges into an enabling demographic dividend in which young people of working age are developing their productive potential."