By: Peneyambeko Jonas
Efforts to align and strengthen the national qualifications system to industrial needs have entered a new phase as the Namibia Qualifications Authority (NQA) concludes its nationwide awareness campaign on the National Policy on Qualifications Standards.
The policy is aimed at ensuring that education and training programmes produce skills that match the needs of the economy.
The final awareness session was held in Windhoek this week, bringing together government officials, education and training providers, industry representatives, professional bodies and civil society organisations to discuss how the policy can improve the quality, relevance and recognition of Namibian qualifications.
NQA Chief Executive Officer Harmoni Beukes said the policy is designed to create a qualifications system that responds to changes in the labour market and supports economic development.
“Qualifications awarded in Namibia must remain relevant, trusted and aligned with national development priorities and labour market needs,” Beukes said.
She explained that as Namibia develops sectors such as technology, energy, manufacturing and other emerging industries, the country needs workers with skills that meet future demands.
“Quality qualifications provide assurance to learners, confidence to employers and contribute directly to national development,” she said.
The National Policy on Qualifications Standards provides guidelines for developing, assessing and improving qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework. It applies to academic, vocational and professional qualifications offered by different education and training institutions.
According to the NQA, the policy responds to challenges where similar qualifications offered by different institutions have differed in areas such as programme content, learning outcomes, credits and qualification levels.
Khomas Regional Governor, Shafishuna Sam Nujoma, said the policy comes at a time when Namibia needs to ensure that young people invest in qualifications that improve their employment opportunities.
He raised concerns about students enrolling for programmes that are not recognised by the NQA, resulting in challenges such as losing access to funding from the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF).
“Earlier this year, my office received reports from student leaders about institutions offering courses that are not recognised by the NQA. This left affected students unfunded by NSFAF and their future employment uncertain,” Nujoma said.
He said stronger quality standards would help protect students, employers and the economy.
“For our graduates to compete in the labour market, their qualifications must reflect quality, integrity, relevance and the competencies required by industries,” he said.
The policy also places emphasis on cooperation between education providers, employers, government institutions and professional bodies. The NQA believes that industry participation is important because employers understand the skills needed in the workplace.
For businesses, recognised qualifications can make recruitment easier by providing a clearer measure of a person’s knowledge, skills and abilities. For workers, the policy supports lifelong learning by allowing people to upgrade their skills and gain recognition for learning acquired through different pathways, including workplace experience.
Beukes said qualifications should not only be viewed as certificates but as tools that support personal growth and economic participation.
“Qualifications are not merely certificates on paper. They are a promise to learners, a signal of competence to employers, and a foundation for national development,” she said.
The NQA’s awareness campaign reached all 14 regions of Namibia, with the organisation now moving from consultation to implementation.
Beukes said the success of the policy would depend on how stakeholders apply it.
“The responsibility for implementation does not rest with the NQA alone; it belongs to all of us,” she said.
As Namibia seeks to grow industries and create more employment opportunities, the policy places education and skills development at the centre of economic planning by ensuring that qualifications produce workers who can participate in a changing economy.
penny@eaglefm.com.na
