Staff Reporter
NAMIBIA will send 17 young competitors across 16 skills to the 48th WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai, China, from 22 to 27 September, where they will showcase the country’s technical talent against the world’s best at the event known as the “Skills Olympics”.
The Namibian delegation will compete in fields ranging from Mechatronics, Welding, Plumbing and Heating, Web Technologies and Electrical Installations to Bricklaying, Joinery, Fashion Technology, Automobile Technology, Cooking, Restaurant Services, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, Hairdressing, Mechanical Engineering CAD and Water Technology.
The global competition will bring together competitors from more than 70 countries and regions, providing a platform for young professionals to demonstrate their expertise, exchange knowledge and promote excellence in skills development.
Photos: WorldSkills Namibia/WorldSkills Shanghai 2026
For the Namibian competitors, the event represents an opportunity to test their abilities on an international stage and highlight the potential of the country’s youth.
Electrical Installations competitor Abel Ashimbanga, a trainee at Nakayale Vocational Training Centre, said representing Namibia carries a deep sense of pride and responsibility. “Representing Namibia means carrying the hope, the skill and the determination of my country. It’s an honour to show the world that Namibian youth are capable, disciplined and ready to compete globally,” he said.
Ashimbanga said he was looking forward to gaining international exposure, exchanging ideas with competitors from around the world and challenging himself at the highest level. “Shanghai represents growth, innovation, and an opportunity to test myself at the highest level,” he said.
Mechanical Engineering CAD competitor Joy Mbumba, a student at the Namibia University of Science and Technology, said competing internationally demonstrates Namibia’s ability to produce world-class talent. “I am proud to announce that I’ll be competing in the WorldSkills International competition in Shanghai 2026,” she said. “Being able to represent Namibia on an international stage shows that, just like other countries, Namibia has the capacity, the skills and the resources to compete internationally.”
Water Technology competitor Wilkka Stefanus from the NamWater Human Resources Development Centre said the competition would allow him to demonstrate the abilities of young Namibians while learning from others. “Representing Namibia at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 is a great opportunity for me to show the world that young Namibians are also ready to show their skills and knowledge,” he said. Stefanus added that he was excited about improving his skills, challenging himself and connecting with competitors from different countries.
Joinery competitor Muvatere Ngaujake from Okakarara Vocational Training Centre described his selection as a dream come true and an opportunity to honour those who supported his journey. “It’s about giving my best to everyone who believed in me and making my family, my instructors and my country proud,” he said. Ngaujake said he was looking forward to learning new skills, experiencing different cultures and being part of a major global event.
Other competitors also expressed their excitement about representing Namibia, with many highlighting the opportunity to gain international experience, learn new techniques and inspire other young people to pursue careers in technical and vocational fields.
The Namibian team includes Beverly Oases (Restaurant Services), Bevin Kabuwanwa (Web Technologies), Christopher Mbundu (Automobile Technology), Nestor Heita (Wall and Floor Tiling), Pendukeni Shagandjwa (Refrigeration and Air Conditioning), Sakeus Iifo (Cooking), Victor Neshila (Mechatronics), Abel Ashimbanga (Electrical Installations), Immanuel Natanael (Bricklaying), Jonas Ambambi (Plumbing and Heating), Joy Mbumba (Mechanical Engineering CAD), Melverine Daniels (Hairdressing), Muvatere Ngaujake (Joinery), Philemon Mengela (Mechatronics), Victor George (Welding), Wilhelmina Amadhila (Fashion Technology) and Wilkka Stefanus (Water Technology).
WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 will take place in one of the world’s largest and most technologically advanced cities. The event will highlight global skills development while allowing participants to experience Shanghai’s combination of modern innovation, industry and cultural heritage.
The competition is expected to further strengthen international cooperation in technical and vocational education and training, while celebrating young professionals who are shaping the future through skills and innovation.
