Standard Bank Namibia Invests N$600,000 in Youth Skills and Innovation Through One Economy Foundation Partnership

The funding, announced at the One Economy Foundation Gala Dinner, will support the Spark Kitchen Culinary Training Initiative and the SparkRx 2.0 Youth Health Innovation Summit, programmes designed to equip young people with practical skills, entrepreneurial capabilities and innovative thinking.
The investment reflects Standard Bank Namibia's purpose, "Namibia is our Home. We drive her Growth," and its belief that sustainable development begins with empowering people.

Speaking at the event, Standard Bank Namibia Executive Officer: Brand and Marketing, Elzita Beukes, said the bank views skills development as one of the most important investments it can make in the country's future.
"At Standard Bank Namibia, we believe that growth starts with people. Our purpose is simple: Namibia is our home. We drive her growth.

That is why skills development remains a key pillar of our corporate social investment strategy. We know that when young people are equipped with the right skills, opportunities and support, they become the drivers of economic growth, innovation and stronger communities."
Namibia, like many countries around the world, faces the challenge of ensuring young people are equipped with the skills required to thrive in a rapidly evolving economy. Addressing this challenge requires collaboration between the public sector, private sector and civil society to create meaningful pathways to employment, entrepreneurship and innovation.

Through the Spark Kitchen Culinary Training Initiative, unemployed youth will receive practical, industry-relevant culinary training aimed at improving employability and creating opportunities within Namibia's hospitality sector. The programme equips participants with accredited, market-ready skills that can support long-term career growth and financial independence.

Meanwhile, the SparkRx 2.0 Youth Health Innovation Summit will bring together young people from all 14 regions of Namibia to develop innovative solutions to some of the country's most pressing healthcare challenges. The initiative aims to harness the creativity and ingenuity of young Namibians while encouraging active participation in solving community challenges.

According to Beukes, both programmes share a common objective: expanding opportunities for young people to realise their potential and contribute meaningfully to society.
"Through these programmes, young people will gain practical skills, create innovative solutions and access opportunities that can shape their futures."

The partnership with the One Economy Foundation reflects a shared commitment to investing in people as a catalyst for long-term national development.
"We are proud to partner with the One Economy Foundation because we share a common belief: sustainable development begins with empowering people.

By investing in skills today, we are helping to build a stronger, more inclusive Namibia tomorrow."
For Standard Bank Namibia, the contribution is about more than funding programmes. It is an investment in the future workforce, future entrepreneurs and future leaders who will help drive Namibia's economic and social progress.

"We are proud and excited to invest in skills today, for jobs, stronger communities and a more prosperous Namibia tomorrow," Beukes concluded.

As part of its broader commitment to driving inclusive growth, Standard Bank Namibia continues to support initiatives that unlock potential, create opportunities and empower communities, recognising that Namibia's future prosperity depends on the success of its people.

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