The President of Namibia, Her Excellency Dr Netumbo Nandi Ndaitwah has called on Cabinet members to embrace renewed focus, discipline and unity of purpose as government resumes work in 2026, urging accelerated implementation of national priorities to deliver tangible results for citizens.
Opening the first Cabinet meeting of the 2026 calendar year under the Eighth Administration on Monday, President Nandi Ndaitwah extended New Year wishes to ministers and their families, expressing confidence that they had returned from the festive break refreshed and ready to serve the nation with renewed commitment.
Turning to education, the President acknowledged the public anticipation that surrounds the release of Grade 11 and 12 examination results each January.
While noting that outcomes had not yet reached desired levels, she commended the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Art and Culture, alongside teachers, learners, parents and stakeholders, for the progress made.
She emphasized the need to intensify efforts toward achieving a 90 percent or higher national pass rate in the future.
President Nandi Ndaitwah also praised the successful rollout of the newly introduced Subsidized Tertiary Education Funding Model, congratulating the Ministers of Education and Finance and the technical task force for their dedication.
She noted that the system had been well received by the public, particularly during registration, adding that any emerging challenges would be addressed as implementation continues.
Reflecting on the Administration’s first year in office, the President said notable progress had strengthened public confidence in government, commending Cabinet members for their performance.
She reminded ministers that the new year presents another opportunity to fulfill commitments made under the 2025–2030 SWAPO Party Election Manifesto and its implementation plan.
However, she cautioned that with only four years remaining in the Administration’s five-year mandate to advance Vision 2030, time must be used prudently.
She stressed the importance of decisive, results-based service delivery and full implementation of Cabinet decisions.
Looking ahead, President Nandi Ndaitwah underscored that 2026 demands heightened focus and discipline to fast-track implementation of the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6), ensuring measurable progress across its four pillars.
She acknowledged the high expectations Namibians place on government, affirming that the responsibility lies with Cabinet to ensure every citizen lives a dignified and meaningful life.
The President also noted that the government resumes work amid growing global uncertainty marked by economic instability, shifting alliances and conflicts, calling for vigilance as international decisions increasingly impact sovereign nations outside established multilateral frameworks.
