A Member of Parliament, Willem Amutenya, urged training institutions to enrol students based on industry needs and economic demand, highlighting that institutions should not only aim to fill courses.
 
Amutenya, who is also a member of the Standing Committee on Education, Youth and Civic Affairs, made the call at the Eenhana Vocational Training Centre career fair.
 
He said there is a need for an annual national industrial and skills audit, adding that entrepreneurship alone cannot solve the structural mismatch between training and the labour market.
 
“We cannot continue producing graduates for employment opportunities that the market does not have. There must be an annual national industrial and skills audit. Every year, we should know what skills Namibia needs.”
 
Amutenya also underscored the government's intervention through the National Youth Development Fund, saying it creates opportunities for young people and emerging businesses to access financing.
 
“Do not leave this challenge with only a certificate of participation or a prize. Leave with a business plan. Take your idea. Develop your prototype. Register your enterprise. Apply for available funding. Build your team. Find your market. And use programmes such as the National Youth Development Fund to turn your innovation into a sustainable business.”
 
Ohangwena Governor Kadiva Hamutumwa echoed a similar sentiment in a speech read on her behalf.
 
“This initiative talks to our collective responsibility to equip young people not only with skills for employment but also with the capacity to create employment and contribute meaningfully to our regional economy.”
 
The Research and Planning Manager of the Namibia Training Authority, Indingo Indongo, said they will develop courses that align with the job market, such as those in the creative industries and culture.
 
"We are looking at the possibility of developing qualifications around the creative industries and cultural performance. If you go to countries like China, it is taken very seriously. Before you enjoy anything, you have to be exposed to their culture.”
 
The five-day Entrepreneurs and Innovation Challenge 2026 ends on Friday.