Minister Officially Launches WorldSkills Africa Swakopmund 2022

The Minister of Higher Education, Technology and Innovation has called upon the business sector to support the WorldSkills Africa Swakopmund 2022 Skills Competition, scheduled to take place at Swakopmund, Erongo, from 28 March to 1 April 2022.

Dr. Itah Kandjii-Murangi says this continental capacity building platform – staged in partnership with the African Union – aligns with Namibia’s national long-term strategic endeavor to leverage the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector, and by extension, support economic prosperity for future generations.

“In an increasingly competitive global environment, Namibia recognises TVET as a crucial vehicle for social equity, inclusion and sustainable development. We acknowledge TVET’s potential to contribute to lowered unemployment and poverty alleviation and we value TVET’s role in enhancing the levels of self- confidence of individuals in becoming productive citizens”, the Minister explained.

Extending an invitation to corporate Africa and Namibia to support this pioneering initiative, Dr. Kandjii-Murangi said WorldSkills Africa Swakopmund 2022 serves as an excellent platform for prospective sponsors from which to generate meaningful brand connections and exposure. “WorldSkills Africa Swakopmund 2022 is sure to generate optimal brand exposure for partners in growing their reach in the most populated segment, the youth. Partner involvement will also serve as a demonstration of support and commitment to our continent’s development goals”, she added.

The Minister of Higher Education, Technology and Innovation made the call at the official launch of WorldSkills Africa Swakopmund 2022, at a ceremony held at Swakopmund’s ‘The Dome’ multipurpose and conference centre, on Friday evening.

Namibia was bestowed the right by WorldSkills International to host the second edition of WorldSkills Africa, following the inaugural event staged in Kigali, Rwanda, in 2018. More than 100 competitors from 13 African countries are to compete in sixteen different technical and vocational trade areas at the event, which also includes an international TVET conference and a careers exhibition.