The Development Bank of Namibia (DBN) has selected eight young graduates for its Youth Professionals Programme (YPP), following a competitive process that drew over 400 applications.
The two-year programme aims to prepare graduates for careers in development finance through structured training, job rotations, mentorship and individual project assignments.
“Each participant will be assigned an individual project aligned with their area of placement. Their success and progression will be evaluated based on the outcomes of these projects,” said DBN Chief of Human Capital, Sara Kapiye.
She acknowledged the small intake but said it was a step towards broader impact.
“Eight participants out of hundreds, and even more when considering the broader youth population in Namibia, may seem like a drop in the ocean. But movement and progress happen gradually,” she said.
Participants were selected based on a minimum academic average of 65 percent and less than one year of work experience. Degrees in areas such as SME finance, compliance, legal, IT, lending and investments were considered.
DBN Acting CEO John Mbango said the programme forms part of the Bank’s contribution to national skills development. “We capacity the young professionals so that at least we contribute to the national talent pipeline that any other industry players can tap into,” he said.
While the programme does not guarantee permanent employment, some participants may be absorbed into DBN roles after completion. “After two years, what we intend to do is to absorb some of them into DBN structures where possible,” said Mbango.
“Some of you may transition into permanent roles where opportunities exist. Where they do not, we remain committed to creating more access and availing further opportunities for young people through future cohorts,” Kapiye added.
