Namib Mills, MTC partner to support youth skills development

WINDHOEK, 25 MAR (NAMPA) – Namib Mills has partnered with MTC to support the MTC 4 Life 2026 programme, committing to sponsor the baking trade as part of efforts to equip young Namibians with practical, income-generating skills.
In a media statement issued on Wednesday, MTC noted that through the partnership, Namib Mills will contribute N.dollars 5 000 per trainee, either in cash or baking equipment, in addition to the standard support provided by MTC. The company will also provide a baking expert, as well as the necessary equipment and ingredients to facilitate training.
“This support is aimed at strengthening practical learning outcomes and ensuring that beneficiaries are well-positioned to establish sustainable baking enterprises. The MTC 4 Life 2026 programme focuses on empowering 30 youth residing in the||Kharas Region, targeting self-employed and unemployed young Namibians with practical, income-generating skills,” the statement reads.
MTC further highlighted that the MTC 4 Life 2026 programme targets 30 youth in the ||Kharas Region, focusing on unemployed and self-employed young people aged between 18 and 35 years.
“The initiative addresses youth unemployment by combining hands-on vocational training with entrepreneurial development. Participants receive structured training workshops, starter toolkits, and a seed grant of N.dollars 5 000 each from MTC to support the launch or growth of their micro-enterprise,” the statement reads.
MTC Chief Brand, Marketing, Communications and Sustainability Officer, Tim Ekandjo commenting on the partnership, said the programme is designed to equip youth with practical skills and confidence to transition into sustainable livelihoods.
“MTC 4 Life is about giving young Namibians practical skills, confidence, and a real opportunity to earn a living. By pairing hands-on training with starter support, we are enabling the youth to move from unemployment to self-reliance and active economic participation,” Ekandjo said.
MTC added that the vocational training streams for the 2026 cycle include hairdressing, barbering, baking, leatherwork, sewing and cellphone repair. Training is expected to commence in April 2026 and will run for seven days, with at least five trainees per trade.
“MTC continues to engage additional partners to support the remaining trades under the programme,” the statement reads.
(NAMPA)
JTS/PS/EK