Nedbank Namibia has increased its investment in staff education, allocating N$760,000 in 2026 through its NedNamibia Holdings (NNH) Education Trust as it steps up efforts to build a future-ready workforce.
The trust, launched in 2025, provides financial support to employees and their dependants pursuing accredited tertiary studies across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. It is funded through managed shares and investments aimed at creating a sustainable pool for education support.
In its second year, the trust has maintained support for 23 beneficiaries, signalling sustained demand and a shift from a pilot initiative to a structured human capital development programme.
The latest intake covers a wide range of disciplines, including commerce, business administration, data science, finance, law, information technology, economics, human resources, procurement and microbiology, reflecting growing demand for skills aligned to a changing economy.
Nedbank Namibia Executive for Human Capital, Bianca Muller, said the expansion reflects both need and intent.
“The Trust has, in just one year, demonstrated both its necessity and its potential. The growing demand and quality of applications encouraged us to scale our commitment this year, increasing our allocation to ensure more of our employees and their dependants have access to quality tertiary education,” she said.
Muller said the initiative is positioned as a long-term investment rather than a short-term intervention.
“Our increased investment this year reinforces our commitment to growth and people transformation. The Trust is not an act of charity – it is a strategic investment in our people, our culture, and our future,” she said.
The programme was introduced against the backdrop of Namibia’s low tertiary education enrolment rate, estimated at just over 20%, compared to a global average of around 40%. It also responds to evidence that individuals with tertiary qualifications are significantly more likely to secure employment.
NNH Education Trust Chairperson Elizabeth Mannasse said the initiative is increasingly taking on a broader national relevance.
“We really are looking to not only solve Nedbank’s problems, but really Namibia at large, and I think that’s also reflected in our Minister of Finance’s national budget speech in terms of what she says in terms of the theme being people, productivity and prudence,” she said.
Beyond funding, the trust forms part of Nedbank Namibia’s wider employee value proposition, which includes career development, flexible work practices, recognition programmes and wellness initiatives.
The bank said the continued expansion of the trust highlights its focus on building internal capacity and preparing its workforce for evolving industry demands, while contributing to broader skills development in Namibia.
