Namibia's delegation promoted inclusive apprenticeship at the Sub-Saharan Africa Skills and Apprenticeship Stakeholders Network (SASASNET) conference, taking place in Abuja, Nigeria. 

The three-day conference aimed to strengthen skill development systems, promote quality apprenticeships, support work-based learning, and enhance collaboration among governments, industries, training institutions, and development partners. 

At the conference, Namibia provided an opportunity to share experiences, learn from regional best practices and strengthen efforts to equip young people with relevant skills for employment, entrepreneurship, and economic growth. 

The Director of TVET in the Education Ministry, Dalia Mwiya, and the Manager for Work-Integrated Learning at the Namibia Training Authority, Rosalia Shiponeni, participated in panel discussions where they highlighted Namibia's commitment to ensuring equitable access to apprenticeship opportunities for women, youth, persons with disabilities and other marginalised groups.

They further emphasised Namibia's efforts to create an inclusive and responsive skills development system that supports decent jobs and sustainable livelihoods.

"We are actively exploring how SASASNET can influence all our TVET reforms to ensure they are relevant, add value, and incorporate the valuable lessons we have learned, particularly from Kenya, regarding the structure of their informal sector and the significant impact of skills development on the lives of those who need it most," said Mwiya.

On her part, Shiponeni said, "It is particularly interesting for Namibia, where our informal sector is concerned, and when it comes to skills development, it is one area that is really left out. So we are really looking forward to finding out how the informal sector can participate in the formal cleavage, especially in the apprenticeship."

The SASASNET conference is a regional network recognised by 43 African countries.