Windhoek: Namib Mills has partnered with MTC to support the MTC 4 Life 2026 programme, committing to sponsor the baking trade as part of efforts to equip young Namibians with practical, income-generating skills.

According to Namibia Press Agency, a media statement issued on Wednesday highlighted that Namib Mills will contribute N.dollars 5,000 per trainee, either in cash or baking equipment, in addition to the standard support provided by MTC. The company will also provide a baking expert, as well as the necessary equipment and ingredients to facilitate training.

The support aims to strengthen practical learning outcomes and ensure beneficiaries are well-positioned to establish sustainable baking enterprises. The MTC 4 Life 2026 programme focuses on empowering 30 youth residing in the ||Kharas Region, targeting self-employed and unemployed young Namibians with practical, income-generating skills.

MTC further highlighted that the programme targets 30 youth in the ||Kharas Region, focusing on unemployed and self-employed young people aged between 18 and 35 years. The initiative addresses youth unemployment by combining hands-on vocational training with entrepreneurial development. Participants receive structured training workshops, starter toolkits, and a seed grant of N.dollars 5,000 each from MTC to support the launch or growth of their micro-enterprise.

MTC Chief Brand, Marketing, Communications and Sustainability Officer, Tim Ekandjo, commented on the partnership, stating that the programme is designed to equip youth with practical skills and confidence to transition into sustainable livelihoods. Ekandjo emphasized that MTC 4 Life empowers young Namibians with practical skills, confidence, and a real opportunity to earn a living, enabling them to move from unemployment to self-reliance and active economic participation.

MTC added that the vocational training streams for the 2026 cycle include hairdressing, barbering, baking, leatherwork, sewing, and cellphone repair. Training is expected to commence in April 2026 and will run for seven days, with at least five trainees per trade. MTC continues to engage additional partners to support the remaining trades under the programme.