In a strategic move to enhance skills development and workforce capacity, Nedbank Namibia has launched the NedNamibia Holdings (NNH) Education Trust, a long-term initiative aimed at funding higher education for employees and their dependents across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.

The trust, which was officially introduced on Monday, will initially provide financial assistance to 23 beneficiaries this year, supporting studies in diverse fields such as microbiology, cybersecurity, and banking finance.

NNH Group Remco chairperson Florentia Amuenje emphasized that the initiative is not just about employee retention but a broader commitment to education as a transformative tool for both individuals and the organization.

“For us at Nedbank, this initiative is more than just a way to strengthen our human resources strategy and retain employees. It is to capitalise on the profound transformational power of education and to create a lasting impact for the beneficiaries,” Amuenje stated.

She further highlighted the pressing need to improve access to higher education in Namibia, where enrolment rates currently stand at 28.89% far below the global average of 40%. The trust aims to bridge this gap by facilitating academic opportunities for employees and their dependents.

Unlike traditional scholarship programs, the NNH Education Trust will be funded through managed shares and investments, ensuring its long-term sustainability. This financial model allows the trust to generate income that will be reinvested into supporting future cohorts of students.

Bianca Muller, Nedbank Namibia’s human resources executive, stressed the significance of investing in employees as a means of fostering both individual growth and organizational success.

“We firmly believe investing in our employees not only fosters individual growth, but also drives organisational success,”  she said.

As the first batch of beneficiaries embarks on their studies this year, Nedbank Namibia positions itself as a leader in corporate-driven education support, reinforcing its role in both workforce development and regional economic growth.