Opuwo: The Namibia Qualifications Authority (NQA) on Monday launched its National Information and Sensitisation Campaign on the National Policy on Qualifications Standards. The initiative aims to strengthen education quality and address skills mismatches in the labor market.

According to Namibia Press Agency, NQA's Head of Qualifications, Joseph Amunyela, emphasized that the policy, introduced under the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture, seeks to harmonize and standardize qualifications across Namibia. This is intended to ensure quality assurance, recognition, and relevance to labor market needs. Amunyela highlighted the central role of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) in organizing and regulating qualifications, ensuring compliance with national standards and proper accreditation for all education and training programs.

Amunyela stressed the importance of qualifications being recognized both nationally and internationally, warning against unaccredited institutions offering programs that do not meet required standards. He reiterated that accreditation is mandatory for all educational institutions, urging employers and students to verify qualifications through NQA, especially foreign credentials, to prevent fraud and reduce skills mismatches.

The policy addresses inconsistencies in qualification standards and aims to align education with national economic priorities, including digital technology, mining, agriculture, and renewable energy. In a speech read on behalf of Kunene Region Governor Vipuakuje Muharukua, it was highlighted that the policy is crucial for the region, where young people face unclear education pathways and challenges in the recognition of prior learning.

The governor's office welcomed the initiative, expecting it to strengthen articulation between vocational and university education, improve access to funding opportunities, and ensure proper recognition of skills acquired outside formal systems. The campaign will continue with stakeholder engagements from 08 to 12 June 206 across the country to gather public input and strengthen the policy's implementation nationwide.