The One Economy Foundation (ONE) recently launched #EmpowerToEarn, an initiative intentionally created to bridge the gap between skills development and economic participation.

Executive Director of ONE, Pauline Thomas-Kahupi, noted that through evidence-based, long-term interventions that connect skills to income, such as #EmpowerToEarn, youth unemployment can be addressed.

“Far too many of our young people continue to be excluded from meaningful economic participation, and in the peri-urban and semi-rural communities, youth unemployment is compounded by limited access to skills training, entrepreneurship support and financial capability development,” she said.

In partnership with the FirstRand Namibia Foundation Trust, ONE implemented the #EmpowerToEarn Initiative, which deliberately targets youth outside major urban centres, where unemployment is high and economic opportunities are often limited.

ONE’s Operations Manager, Saddam Biwa, stated that they conducted baseline studies in Okahandja, Groot Aub and Rehoboth to identify marketable skills with income-generating potential that respond directly to the realities and needs of unemployed youth in the target communities.

“The baseline findings identified catering and baking, hairdressing and barbering, and agriculture and crop production as the priority skills according to the survey,” said Biwa.

From 26 February to 6 March 2026, 90 young people in Rehoboth, Groot Aub and Okahandja underwent practical skills training delivered through two-day intensive workshops.

Biwa said each workshop combined practical, hands-on skills, entrepreneurship training and integrated financial literacy sessions.

“Recognising that training alone is insufficient to guarantee successful enterprise development, the initiative includes a structured post-training business coaching and mentorship phase which focuses on business coaching sessions, mentorship and support,” he said.

Nesdha De Jongh, FNB Namibia’s Head of Small and Medium Enterprises, indicated that “#EmpowerToEarn Initiative aligns directly with their mandate of advancing economic participation and inclusive growth. We believe in shifting the narrative from job-seeking to opportunity creation. By equipping young people with practical market-relevant skills, we are enabling income generation, building self-reliance, and supporting long-term economic contributions,” said De Jongh.

He added that First Rand Namibia Foundation Trust’s contribution is made with complete confidence in the Empower to Earn initiative’s ability to deliver meaningful and lasting impact.

“This investment reflects our unwavering belief in the potential of young Namibians. Partnerships are essential for achieving long-term impact. Through collaborations, we combine expertise, resources, and community insights to design programmes that are relevant, scalable, and built for continuity.” –psiririka@nepc.com.na