Namibia to Scrap University Fees by 2026, President Nandi-Ndaitwah Announces
In a landmark announcement during her first state of the nation address, Namibia’s new President, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, declared that public university and technical college tuition will be made free starting in 2026.
Nandi-Ndaitwah, the country’s first female president, told lawmakers on Thursday evening that registration and tuition fees at all public institutions would be eliminated, while families would only be expected to contribute to accommodation and related costs.
“We have heard your cries: ‘the Fees have Fallen’,” she declared, referencing the popular slogan tied to student protests in Namibia and South Africa.
Gradual Implementation Raises Questions
While the president promised to phase in the free education program gradually, she also revealed that there would be no significant increase in funding, leading to questions about how the initiative will be sustained. She stated that funding would be drawn from existing university subsidies and the student financial aid fund.
Critics, including the Affirmative Repositioning Student Command (ARSC), dismissed the announcement as a “confused” publicity stunt lacking detail. They questioned the eligibility criteria, whether postgraduate students would benefit, and how the plan would avoid repeating the funding shortfalls seen in South Africa’s #FeesMustFall movement.
Economist Tannen Groenewald echoed these concerns, telling local media that the absence of additional funds could result in student intake caps, limiting who could benefit from the policy.
Lessons from South Africa’s Experience
South Africa’s 2017 promise to eliminate university tuition fees—after intense #FeesMustFall protests—ended up applying only to students from low-income households. The policy was later criticized for leaving out the so-called “missing middle”—those who earned too much to qualify for aid but still couldn’t afford tuition.
Namibia’s Education Landscape
Namibia already provides free primary and secondary education, and the president’s latest announcement positions the country toward a more inclusive higher education system. Still, the lack of detailed planning has prompted skepticism among student leaders and economists alike.
As the country moves toward implementing this bold reform, all eyes will be on how Namibia balances access, quality, and sustainability in the face of growing demand for higher education.
