Justicia Shipena
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has urged Namibian workers to take initiative in improving their skills.
This she said includes developing their own training programmes.
She said workers must use available learning opportunities, especially online.
“In the world of technology, workers can also arrange their own training programmes; more particularly, there are a number of courses that can be followed online,” she said during International Workers’ Day commemorations in Opuwo on Friday.
Nandi-Ndaitwah said the 2026 theme, which focuses on continuous in-service training, highlights the need for a skilled workforce.
“This theme is calling for a skill-driven labour force if we are to ensure productivity, which is a prerequisite for economic growth and development to bring about better living conditions for all our people,” she said.
Nandi-Ndaitwah said training should not be limited by age.
“As workers, we must know that capacity building has no age limit. As long as you are able to work, you are in a better position to gain more skills,” she said.
She stressed the need for cooperation between workers and employers.
“Workers bring skill, commitment, and productivity, while employers provide opportunity, investment, and leadership. These roles are not in competition but are complementary and mutually reinforcing,” she said.
“When labour and employers understand each other’s realities, expectations, and ambitions, we are better positioned to build workplaces that are not only productive but also fair, inclusive, and sustainable.”
Nandi-Ndaitwah said global changes are affecting industries such as mining and fishing.
“Declining resources, changing global markets, and environmental pressures are realities we can no longer ignore,” she said.
She said Namibia must prepare workers for new sectors.
“Continuous in-service training is no longer a luxury. It is a necessity. It is the bridge between vulnerability and resilience. We must build a workforce that is adaptable, responsive, and ready to take advantage of new opportunities as they emerge,” she said.
She also called on trade unions to support skills development.
Justice and labour relations minister Fillemon Wise Immanuel said unity in the labour market is key to development.
“We are gathered here to affirm a simple truth, that when a nation prospers, it is because its workforce is inspired, empowered and united. A nation becomes even more progressive when all social partners stand with workers demanding better working conditions, fair working hours and job security,” he said.
He said Workers’ Day has become an international symbol of solidarity, workers’ rights and social justice.
He added that Namibia has been observing the day since independence in 1990, using it to celebrate workers’ achievements while also reflecting on challenges and identifying areas for policy intervention.
He further noted that in a country facing skills shortages, youth unemployment and changing industries, the theme is relevant and calls for meaningful progress through constructive social partnership.
“That is what we call tripartism, where each partner must play their role. The government must invest in training and in the upholding of fair labour standards. Employers must commit to the reskilling of workers and the promotion of decent work. Employees must embrace lifelong learning and remain disciplined,” he said.
Immanuel said this approach would help create a stable labour market, support business sustainability, strengthen policies and regulatory frameworks, and ensure job security.
Namibia Employers Federation board member Libonina Nawa said training alone will not solve labour market challenges.
“Employers, workers and government are not separate actors. We are interdependent and the success of one depends on the success of all,” he said.
“This theme calls for continuous in-service training as a driver of productivity, economic growth and improved living conditions. However, this also requires us to reflect more deeply on what must be in place for this ambition to succeed,” Nawa said.
He said Namibia is facing a broad and persistent shortage of skills across the economy, with employers struggling to find technical and specialised expertise as well as practical, work-ready competencies.
Nawa added that there is growing concern about the mismatch between qualifications and the actual needs of the workplace.
She noted that emerging sectors require highly specialised skills that are still developing within the local workforce.
Nawa further said that while continuous in-service training is important, it cannot replace strong foundational education and skills development.
“In many instances, employers are required to invest in bridging gaps between education and further skills training. The workplace is increasingly expected to train, upskill and compensate for broader system gaps,” he said.
Kunene governor Vipuakuje Muharukua said training is key to growth.
“Namibian workers demand continuous in-service training for increased productivity and national economic growth,” he said.
“Under our national flag, let us remember what it calls us to be, one people joined by peace, unity and common loyalty to our country. It means that every worker must be seen, respected, supported, and given a chance to grow,” he said.
He said Namibia’s future must be built on inclusive opportunities rather than exclusion.
