Following the call for applications last year on MTC 4Life, an overwhelming number of applications has been recorded when over 8 000 unemployed Namibian youth applicants from across the country submitted their expression of interest in the programme.

Giving an update on the programme, MTC public relations officer Erasmus Nekundi said: “Thus far, the programme is well on track. The vetting and shortlisting process was completed and all prospective candidates were informed mid-December last year (2022) for their interviews. The interviews will be conducted this month (January 2023) to enable the programme training to commence early next month (February 2023) as planned.”

“The programme (MTC 4Life) is offering training in 10 trades – and for each trade, 20 applicants have been shortlisted for interviews. Overall, the initiative’s first intake is capacitated to accommodate and assist 50 candidates. So, come February, a total of 50 unemployed youth individuals from all 14 regions will be receiving business and financial training – and upon completion, receive start-up toolkits to allow them to start their own micro businesses immediately after training.”

The 10 trades in which training will be offered are photography, graphic design, barber, hairdressing, nail technician, make-up artist, catering, baking, sewing and brick manufacturing, respectively. For/in each trade, MTC has partnered with a reputable and previously disadvantaged SME Namibian company within that profession to provide the individual candidates with the practical training. Training duration will be between three to 10 days, depending on the trade.

Launched last year, MTC 4Life is a 2.6 million socio-economic undertaking, which aims to tackle poverty by mitigating youth unemployment by empowering Namibians to become self-employed within the SME sector.