WASHINGTON D.C./WINDHOEK, July 6, 2026 – The Global Partnership for Education (GPE) welcomed today the Republic of Namibia as its 94^th partner country, marking the start of joint efforts to support Namibia’s work to strengthen its education system and help more children learn.

“GPE is delighted to welcome Namibia to the partnership,” said Laura Frigenti, GPE Chief Executive Officer. “Namibia has shown strong commitment to education and to ensuring that every child has the chance to learn. We look forward to working with the Government of Namibia and its partners to strengthen the education system, improve learning outcomes and help every girl and boy build the skills they need for the future.”

Namibia has made education a national priority, offering free primary and secondary schooling and allocating more than 25 percent of its national budget to the sector. Net enrolment is above 90 percent at primary level, but learning outcomes remain a challenge, with only 30 percent of Grade 3 learners achieving proficiency in literacy and numeracy. Many learners—especially children from minority groups, children with disabilities and the most vulnerable—still face barriers to staying in school and learning.

“Namibia is proud to join the Global Partnership for Education at a time when we are deepening our commitment to quality, inclusive and equitable education for every learner,” said Hon. Dr. Sanet L. Steenkamp, Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture of Namibia. “This partnership will support our national efforts to strengthen foundational learning, invest in teachers and schools, and ensure that children and young people across Namibia have the knowledge and skills they need to contribute to the country’s development.”

As a GPE partner country, Namibia will work with education partners to identify priority reforms and mobilize financing and technical support to help transform its education system. GPE support will advance country-led efforts to improve learning, strengthen planning and data systems, promote equity and inclusion, and ensure that education investments reach the children and schools that need them most.

About the Global Partnership for Education

GPE is a shared commitment to ending the world’s learning crisis. We mobilize partners and funds to support lower-income countries to transform their education systems so that every girl and boy can get the quality education they need to unlock their full potential and contribute to building a better world.
www.globalpartnership.org

Media contact:

Tamara Kummer, GPE Head of Communications
@email
Tel: +1 202 948 5395