Companies to get 50 000 tax deductions if they employ youth
With 50% of youth aged 18-35 facing unemployment according to recent stats, the government has unveiled a bold new plan to tackle youth unemployment, offering employers up to N$50,000 in tax deductions as part of the newly launched National Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Policy 2025–2030.
The policy, officially launched on Thursday by Prime Minister Tjitunga Elijah Ngurare at the Namibia Institute of Public Administration and Management (NIPAM), aims to bridge the long-standing gap between education and employment by embedding practical workplace experience into formal learning.
Ngurare said the initiative marks a turning point in how Namibia prepares its youth for the job market.
“We are not merely launching a policy, but affirming a national commitment to our young people,” he said. “This is about ensuring that when a young person graduates, they do not only hold a certificate, but also possess practical experience and workplace readiness.”
The WIL Policy, spearheaded by the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture (MEIYSAC), introduces a structured national framework to standardise internships, apprenticeships and industrial attachments across universities and vocational training institutions.
For years, employers have raised concerns about graduates lacking hands-on experience, despite holding academic qualifications. The new policy directly targets this mismatch by requiring institutions to integrate real-world training into curricula.
A key feature of the policy is its focus on private sector participation, widely seen as critical to its success. To encourage this, government has introduced financial incentives, including the N$50,000 tax deduction for companies that take on interns or trainees.
In addition, firms that employ apprentices will benefit from support through the Namibia Training Authority (NTA) training levy, easing the cost burden associated with skills development.
Education stakeholders have welcomed the move. Director of Technical and Vocational Education and Training, Dalia Mwiya, described the policy as a “game-changer”.
“For too long, there has been a gap between theory and practice. This policy ensures that our youth leave the education system with both knowledge and practical experience,” she said.
Beyond urban centres, the policy also emphasises inclusivity, with placements expected to extend to rural areas such as Warmbad, Sesfontein and Kapako. This approach, Ngurare noted, is essential to ensure equitable access to opportunities across the country.
The WIL Policy is aligned with Namibia’s broader development agenda, including Vision 2030 and the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6), both of which prioritise a skilled and adaptable workforce to drive economic growth.
Ngurare stressed that the government alone cannot deliver on these ambitions, calling on businesses, training institutions and regulatory bodies to collaborate.
“To the private sector, open your workplaces. To institutions, embed practical learning meaningfully. Together, we can create clear pathways from education to employment,” he urged.
If successfully implemented, the policy is expected to significantly improve graduate employability, strengthen industry-education partnerships, and position Namibia as a regional leader in workforce development.
