President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has stressed the importance of skills development and technical and vocational education and training in driving Namibia's economic transformation and creating sustainable opportunities for its citizens.
Speaking during the send-off ceremony for Team Namibia, which will represent the country at the WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai, China, the President said Namibia stands at an important moment in its development as it works to build an inclusive and resilient economy.
The journey of the 17 follows the National Skills Competition held in Swakopmund last year, where they demonstrated the skills needed to compete internationally.
The team, comprising 13 males and four females, will compete in 16 skill categories.
These are welding, mechatronics, plumbing, electrical installation, joinery, floor tiling, floor tiling, mechanical engeneering, hospitality and fashion.
They are from VTCs, NUST, NIMT, NamWater, private training institutions and industry.
The head of state pointed out that technical and vocational training sits at the heart of Namibia's national ambitions, particularly as the country advances strategic emerging sectors.
Dr. Nandi-Ndaitwah noted that the country's development agenda is focused on creating sustainable opportunities, strengthening local industries and empowering citizens to meaningfully contribute to national growth.
She further said that success in these sectors will depend heavily on a skilled, innovative, adaptable and globally competitive workforce that would eventually add value to the country''s natural resources.
"We must add value to our natural resources in order to eliminate poverty in our country. Things are not good. We all go to villages. We go to our suburbs. We see our people's lives. They should not live like that permanently. Therefore, the government is committed to empowering TVET institutions to play a central role in shaping our nation's future."
She pointed to subsidised education, stressing that it is essential for equipping Namibians with the technical expertise and practical skills needed to meet the evolving needs of the labour market.
"We cannot continue to talk about unemployed Namibians when there's a gap in the labour market, and our people must also be innovative and understand what the market demands so that you venture into those skills and not remain in all the skills. When I was growing up, particularly in the group, the racial group to which I belong, is either you become a teacher, you become a nurse, or you become a pastor, but nowadays, everything is open to us."
Nandi-Ndaitwah said the participation of Team Namibia at the WorldSkills Competition also provides an opportunity for the country to strengthen the outcomes of her State Visit to China in July.
She encouraged the competitors to represent Namibia with pride and determination, describing their participation as an opportunity to showcase the country's talent and demonstrate the capabilities of its young skilled workforce on the international stage