Windhoek: Bank Windhoek has deployed 11 young Namibians to branches across the country as part of its 18-month Emerging Bankers Programme, aimed at equipping young people with practical banking skills and work experience.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the Bank Windhoek Emerging Bankers Programme was launched in 2024 with an initial investment of N.dollars 1 million. It combines structured learning with hands-on branch experience across the country, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
In a media statement on Tuesday, the bank said the foundation has since committed an additional N.dollars 3.24 million to expand the initiative. "From Aranos to Oshikango, Emerging Bankers are learning the business from the ground up, serving customers and rotating across departments," the statement read.
The programme places young Namibians aged between 19 and 25 in various Bank Windhoek branches, where they gain exposure to customer service, banking operations, risk analysis, compliance, digital banking, and financial administration. This year's participants commenced their duties at the beginning of April.
The participants include Brumenica Johandria Van Wyk at Grootfontein, Kelly Forbes at Rehoboth, Josef Immanuel Nghipondoka at Oshikango, and Eve Gwala at Otjiwarongo. Other recruits include Andreas Benjamin in Okahao, Tijani //Naomab in Omaruru, Martin Lewis in Outjo, Helvi Ngweetuna Shanyata in Ondangwa, Klaudia Ndapewa Amakali in Eenhana, Fenny Shilongo in Gobabis, and Vinzenz Ferrer Hatzkin in Aranos.
"As one of Namibia's leading financial institutions, Bank Windhoek is well-positioned to nurture talent at scale. With more than 50 branches nationwide, it offers an ideal platform for experiential learning and potential job placement, aligning business objectives with national development priorities and demonstrating how corporate social investment can drive inclusive growth," the statement said.
Bank Windhoek said the initiative aligns with national development goals by creating opportunities for youth employment and skills development while strengthening the country's financial services sector.