MTC 4Life Project: Empowering Namibia's Youth Through Skills and Opportunity
The MTC 4Life Project is gaining momentum in Namibia, with a remarkable increase in applications from eager young entrepreneurs looking to break into the world of business. Over 250 unemployed individuals from the Erongo, Hardap, Omaheke, and Zambezi regions have thrown their hats in the ring for the program’s specialized training and seed capital initiative—a significant step towards combatting youth unemployment in the country.
Launched in 2023, the MTC 4Life Project is driven by the mission to empower self-employed and unemployed youth by equipping them with vital business skills and training. So far, the initiative has made great strides, successfully training 91 young Namibians within a budget of N.5 million over the past two years. These efforts contribute significantly to the local economy and foster a spirit of entrepreneurship among the youth.
The project places a deliberate emphasis on imparting essential business and practical skills that aid participants in launching or expanding their small and medium enterprises (SMEs). For its 2025 edition, MTC has earmarked N.5 million to further assist at least 40 young Namibians hailing from the Zambezi, Erongo, Hardap, and Omaheke regions, promising to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem even more.
Potential participants undergo an application process where they are shortlisted, interviewed, and selected by a panel of experts before receiving immersive training in Windhoek. This one-week classroom experience is followed by hands-on practical training at participating youth business operations, under the guidance of seasoned trainers.
Erasmus Nekundi, MTC’s Corporate Communications Specialist, shared his excitement about the program, stating, “The MTC 4Life initiative offers hope to young individuals dreaming of entrepreneurship but unsure of how to start, especially those lacking capital. This year, we’re igniting dreams in various trades, including animation, carpentry, hairstyling, electrical and solar installation, upholstery, welding, barbering, and brick manufacturing. We received an impressive 256 valid applications from the participating regions, and we’re committed to maintaining effective program implementation by focusing on four regions at a time.”
Participants are not only provided with theoretical knowledge but also with practical competencies through partnerships with established SMEs. At the end of their training, each candidate receives a toolkit and N,000 in capital to help kickstart or upscale their business endeavors.
Nekundi added that the ongoing interest from the youth, coupled with the success stories from previous beneficiaries, reflects the project’s positive socio-economic impact and underscores the importance of continuing this vital initiative.
With programs like MTC 4Life, Namibia is taking significant strides towards empowering its youth and promoting sustainable economic development. This initiative not only addresses unemployment but instills a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship among the nation’s young minds.
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