President Nangolo Mbumba says the programmes offered at the Khorixas Vocational Training Centre were carefully selected based on local industry needs and community input. 

Dr. Mbumba inaugurated the centre in Khorixas earlier today, the first of its kind in the Kunene Region.

The construction of the VTC began seven years ago under the stewardship of the late Vice President, Dr. Nickey Iyambo, in response to the pleas of the Kunene regional inhabitants.

Its development is also part of the broad commitment of the government to set up vocational training centres in all 14 regions.

The Khorixas Vocational Training Centre is expected to offer courses for the national vocational certificate in bricklaying and plastering, joinery, and cabinet making.

Plumbing and fitting, air conditioning, and refrigeration also form part of the programme offerings.

"I urge all members of the Kunene community—parents, guardians, and young people—to seize this opportunity presented by the Khorixas Vocational Training Centre. This is your chance to gain valuable skills that will enhance your employability or enable you to start your own business. Take advantage of this facility designed specifically for you! Let us build a future where every young person has access to quality education and can contribute meaningfully to their communities."

Approximately 98 students have so far been approved for intake, of which 95 are from the Kunene Region.

Namibia is positioning itself for the emerging green hydrogen as well as oil and gas sectors that are to transform the economy.

President Mbumba says the Khorixas VTC will thus serve as a gateway for those seeking to be trained for these new industries and appealed to the private sector to complement the government's efforts.

"While government initiatives are crucial, I urge private institutions to join hands with the government through collaboration, including internships and job placements for graduates from the KVTC. Such a partnership will ensure that we meet the diverse needs of our economy while providing ample opportunities for our young people."

Additional programs for different natural resources native to Kunene and surrounding regions would be incorporated later down the line, explained Dr. Itah Kandjii-Murangi, the Minister of Higher Education, Training, and Innovation. 

"We are looking at programs that will speak to a field like that of iron ore, a field that will lead to the design and proper manufacturing of our precious stones into finished products as far as jewellery and other things are concerned."

Kunener Governor Marius Sheya is calling on the region's inhabitants to make use of the opportunities being offered to them.

"We want to emphasise that the reflection of this VTC must be that of the Namibian house, from the artisans to the people who are going to work here because we are not living in isolation, and once we have trained artisans here, they are going to all over Namibia look for work."

The multi-million-dollar Khorixas VTC was constructed under the Namibia Training Authority's Technical and Vocational Education and Training, Transformation, and Expansion blueprint.