By Berio Mbala WINDHOEK Bank Windhoek last Friday launched a new-look Solo account for the youth and those under 18 years old. The launch comes after a successful launch of products and services such as EasySave, SeniorSave, EasyCredit and CellPhone banking during the past 15 months and this led Bank Windhoek to turn its focus to the youth market. According to a media release by the Head of Corporate Communication and Social Investment, Helena Badenhorst: “Bank Windhoek aims to provide affordable and accessible banking to all Namibians. “Among others, these efforts include: reviewing and improving our existing range of products and services, conducting comprehensive research on the needs of Namibians and launching new products and services that will satisfy those needs.” By offering the Solo Account, Bank Windhoek aims to make banking accessible and affordable to the youth in Namibia. The Solo Account was launched in the early 90’s in Namibia. Bank Windhoek felt it necessary to conduct intensive research on the financial needs of the youth market amongst the current groups of youth and parents. “Banking needs change continuously and thus, Bank Windhoek is proud to offer the new-look Solo account for the youth and young adults under 18 that will meet their particular needs in 2007,” said Badenhorst. The marketing and communications campaign launched includes various media activities such as exciting competitions! Existing Solo clients and those who open a Solo account before May 31 will have their names entered into a draw to win a trip for a family of four to Disneyland, Paris. The youth and young adults under 18 can open a Solo account at Bank Windhoek without any cost or changes. However, a minimum opening balance of N$100 is required and no monthly service fees and no ATM withdrawal fees at any Bank Windhoek ATM will be charged. Bank Windhoek is serious about offering young clients a product that will reward them for saving and that will grow their money. “Our research amongst parents also showed that parents view the savings aspect of a youth account as most important and that they want their children to earn competitive interest rates. Therefore, we offer them a fantastic return of 7% on any credit balance in their Solo account,” added the report.