The Old Mutual Foundation successfully hosted the Youth Indaba 3.0 at the University of Namibia’s Hifikepunye Pohamba Campus in Ongwediva, bringing together approximately 150 learners, students, young professionals, partners, and industry leaders under the theme “From Learning to Earning: Creating Sustainable Futures”.

Designed as a practical and solution-oriented platform, the Indaba focused on equipping young Namibians with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to transition from education into meaningful economic participation. The event responded directly to the realities facing youth today, including unemployment, underemployment and the growing need for adaptable skills in a changing economy.

The programme opened with welcoming remarks by Professor Jacob Sheehama, Director of the Oshakati and Hifikepunye Pohamba Campuses, who emphasised the importance of collaboration between academic institutions, the private sector, and development partners. He highlighted the role such partnerships play in ensuring that education remains relevant and responsive to the demands of the labour market.

The keynote address was delivered by Patricia Olivier, Chairperson of the Old Mutual Foundation Board and Managing Director of Old Mutual Corporate Segment, who reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to youth empowerment and long-term development.

“Youth unemployment and underemployment remain among Namibia’s most pressing challenges. Platforms like the Youth Indaba are not about inspiration alone. They are about equipping young people with practical skills, confidence and clear pathways that enable them to participate meaningfully in the economy and build sustainable futures,” said Olivier. “When young people are supported at critical transition points, the impact extends beyond the individual to families, communities and the broader economy.”

The Indaba featured five expert-led sessions that addressed key elements of the journey from learning to earning. Lisa Matomola led a session on career identity, workplace readiness and psychometrics, guiding participants to better understand their strengths, align their career paths intentionally and prepare strategically for the workplace. Her session encouraged young people to take ownership of their career journeys through self-awareness and informed decision-making.

Pricilla Husselmann focused on mental health and emotional intelligence in business and workspaces, addressing the importance of resilience, self-regulation and emotional intelligence in sustaining performance and navigating workplace dynamics. Participants were equipped with practical tools to support mental well-being in both professional and personal contexts.

Exploring alternative and sustainable income pathways, Kakunandunda Katuuo unpacked agri-entrepreneurship as a viable and scalable economic opportunity. Her session highlighted innovation, sustainability and income diversification within the agri-business space, particularly for young people in rural and semi-urban communities.

Michael Shapopi delivered a foundational session on financial literacy and investment for beginners, covering budgeting, saving, investing basics and long-term wealth-building principles. The session aimed to demystify money management and empower young earners to make informed financial decisions early in their careers.

The programme concluded with a session by Sem Mandela Uutoni on personal branding for a sustainable future. Participants were guided on building authentic personal brands, leveraging digital platforms responsibly and positioning themselves strategically for future opportunities in a competitive environment.

An interactive panel discussion aligned to the event theme further unpacked practical strategies for transitioning from learning to earning. The discussion sparked robust audience engagement, with thoughtful questions reflecting the lived experiences and aspirations of attendees. The high energy and participation throughout the day are reflected in the Youth Indaba highlights video shared on the Old Mutual Foundation Youth Indaba YouTube platform.

Beyond knowledge-sharing, the Indaba delivered tangible support. The Old Mutual Foundation awarded two tuition support vouchers valued at N$10 000 each to students through a lucky draw. Lisa Matomola extended her impact by providing five coaching vouchers valued at N$400 each, while Pricilla Husselmann offered learners access to transformational sessions in mental wellness and emotional intelligence through a QR-based booking initiative.

The day concluded with a celebratory happy hour entertainment session featuring live music, mocktails, and treats. Performances by artists, including Yeezer, created a vibrant close to a day of learning, networking, and empowerment.

Through Youth Indaba 3.0, the Old Mutual Foundation continues to demonstrate its commitment to connecting learning with real economic opportunity and ensuring that Namibia’s youth are equipped to build sustainable futures.

Photo caption above: From left to right: Mauriza Fredericks, Old Mutual Namibia Marketing Manager: Corporate Business and Sustainability, Sem Mandela Uutoni, Resource Mobilisation Specialist for the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Lisa Matomolo, Founder and Managing Consultant of Hito HR and Training Consultants, Fimanekeni Mbodo, Founder and CEO of Foster Digital Education, Stacey Pinto, Founder of The Purpose Academy, Priscilla Husselmann, Founder of Selah Transformation and ICF-certified transformation coach, Esther Kalwenya, Business Coach at Forever Living Products, Patricia Olivier, Old Mutual Foundation Board Chairperson and Managing Director of Corporate Segment and Mignon du Preez, Old Mutual Namibia Group Marketing, Public Affairs and Sustainability Executive.