Namibia: Namibia's 35th independence anniversary represents a milestone for the nation's youth, signalling a shift toward total educational accessibility and expanded economic support, Oshikoto Regional Youth Forum chairperson Martin Antindi has said.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Antindi, in an interview with Nampa, said the anniversary coincides with a shift in the national education system. Starting in 2026, the government is implementing a comprehensive free education policy spanning from Grade 0 through tertiary levels, including public universities and vocational training centres. "This policy eliminates tuition and registration fees, granting every youth, regardless of background, equal access to education alongside those from affluent families. It represents the greatest opportunity for personal and national growth," he said.

Antindi noted that the government has also pledged expanded employment opportunities, with many young people already placed in public sector roles. The National Youth Fund offers additional support for entrepreneurial and developmental initiatives. He maintained that despite these advances, challenges persist. "Some graduates remain jobless, while aspiring students lack resources to pursue preferred courses. In Oshikoto, the next development phase should prioritise infrastructure - tarred roads linking communities, widespread network coverage, tap water and alternative water solutions for unconnected areas, electricity to schools, and more police stations in densely populated zones."

Antindi added that limited information access hinders progress. "Many youths miss opportunities due to limited engagement with radio, newspapers, or community meetings, often learning of deadlines too late. Poor attendance at local gatherings exacerbates this. Unregistered businesses and funding shortages pose further barriers. Youth require government support regardless of registration status," he said.

To bridge this gap, he urged the Ministry of Trade and Industry to simplify the registration process for informal businesses, arguing that the government must support young entrepreneurs regardless of their formal status to ensure no one is left behind in the post-anniversary economy.