Monika Amunyela

MTC 4Life launched in 2022, has grown as one of MTC’s flagship Corporate Social Investment initiatives.

The initiative tackles youth unemployment and poverty in Namibia by equipping young people with practical, technical, and entrepreneurial skills. The program focuses on empowering youth aged 18 to 35, providing them with the tools they need to launch and manage their own small businesses.

For this year’s cycle, MTC has partnered with Namib Mills to strengthen the training around Baking. Namib Mills has committed to sponsoring each trainee with N$5,000 in cash or equipment, as well as a baking expert to lead hands-on training sessions. “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,” said Tim Ekandjo, MTC Chief Brand, Marketing, Communications, and Sustainability Officer. The programme aims to empower 30 youths in the //Kharas Region and covers vocational streams, including hairdressing, barbering, baking, leatherwork, sewing, and cell phone repair.

Training is delivered over seven days with a minimum of five trainees per discipline, mixing both theory and practical instruction. This allows trainees to be well prepared in creating a sustainable livelihood for themselves and others that render services to or hire after training. Each trainee receives a start-up grant of N$5 000 and basic tools or equipment for their trade, removing financial barriers and supporting the launch or growth of micro-enterprises.

Erasmus Nekundi, MTC’s Corporate Communications Specialist, emphasised the programme’s importance, stating, “MTC 4Life is a strategic investment in Namibia’s youth, aimed at creating sustainable economic opportunities and fostering a culture of entrepreneurship that drives long-term growth.”

Since the initiative’s launch, MTC has invested approximately N$6 million into MTC 4Life  and has trained up to 161 youth countrywide. They have ensured constant ongoing mentorship through site visits and business assessments. According to their stats on the 2025 cycle, 79% of their participants have expanded their business, 68% have introduced new products or services, while 32% are developing formal business plans.

-mamunyela@nepc.com.na