Namibia continues to produce thousands of graduates each year, but many are struggling to find employment.

Access to education has expanded, yet concerns grow over whether the job market can absorb the increasing number of skilled young people.

The gap between education and employment appears to be widening.

In an era where higher education is often seen as the pathway to opportunity, a growing number of graduates find themselves without work.

Universities and colleges are producing thousands of graduates annually, with tertiary institutions expanding and new ones being established.

Public Policy Analyst Marius Kudumo shares his perspective on the issue.

“Vocational training is critical for any country. Skills are critical for any country. The countries that are developed and globally competitive—whether you look at China or Germany—balance the two. University graduates bring skills that are needed, and vocational training produces essential skills. It is critical, and you must not only preach about it but also demonstrate it through investment and expansion of vocational training. Unless we understand this and have proper planning—short, medium, and long term, about which sectors will develop the country, and redirect training accordingly, we will continue to face graduate unemployment. Proper coordination and coherence between institutions are essential,” he said.

Many graduates report that the transition from lecture halls to the workplace remains uncertain, with limited job opportunities across sectors.