The Mobile Telecommunication Limited (MTC) has allocated N$1.5 million for this year’s MTC 4Life Project, which aims to empower aspiring and existing entrepreneurs.
In this second round, 40 young Namibians between the ages of 18 and 35 will be trained to gain practical and entrepreneurial skills in nail artistry, brick manufacturing, animation, hairdressing, catering, sewing, baking, and barbering, respectively.
The project was initially launched in 2022, and this time it has adopted a targeted approach, focusing solely on five regions: Otjozondjupa, Kunene, Omusati, Kavango East, and Kavango West.
In the first phase, N$2.6 million was provided for training and tool-kits for 50 entrepreneurs from all 14 regions.
“This year the project will empower 40 youth individuals from five regions. In contrast, last year applicants were from all 14 regions. However, post-training assessments conducted in partnership with SME Compete have shown that a more targeted approach is needed to effectively streamline resources for a more impactful outcome,” said MTC Public Relations Officer, Erasmus Nekundi.
Nekundi added, “After the training, each candidate will receive a toolkit and capital of N$5000. This is to help them start their own businesses immediately after training. The idea is to truly equip them to become self-employed citizens who will employ others later when their businesses grow.”
The training will be conducted by professionals from the chosen fields and will last between 5 and 10 days.
In each of the identified professions, MTC will partner with reputable and previously disadvantaged SME Namibian companies to train the individual candidates, said Nekundi.
The application period is already open until March 18, 2024, and eligible candidates must be unemployed Namibians with at least a minimum of Grade 10.
