Green’s work culture: Driving ICT growth in Namibia

Tanya Elliot
  • 1 Hour Ago

The moment a graduate receives their qualification should be the beginning of opportunity, not the beginning of uncertainty. Yet for many young Namibians, that transition remains difficult. Every year, institutions such as the University of Namibia (UNAM), Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), International University of Management (IUM), and Triumphant College produce talented graduates ready to contribute to the country’s economy.


However, there are simply not enough opportunities in Namibia’s job market. According to the 2023 Namibia Statistics Agency report, unemployment stands at 36.9%, with young people among the most affected.

Speaking at a recent UNAM graduation ceremony, Her Excellency, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, called on both government and the private sector to redirect training budgets toward structured internships and apprenticeships.


Her message reflected a growing understanding that qualifications alone are no longer enough. Young graduates need practical exposure, mentorship, and workplaces that help shape them into professionals. Green Enterprise Solutions has been responding to this call for many years.


Green and the broader ICT sector are uniquely positioned to help address this challenge. As Namibia’s digital economy continues to grow, so does the demand for skills in cloud computing, cybersecurity, data management, and emerging technologies such as AI. Beyond its contribution to the economy, ICT has become one of the few sectors able to absorb young talent while equipping them with future-focused skills that remain relevant in a rapidly changing world.


For more than 15 years, Green Enterprise Solutions has understood that its role goes beyond delivering technology solutions. The company has intentionally invested in both people and opportunities, recognising that sustainable growth in ICT depends on developing local talent. While this sometimes means seeing young graduates and interns move on to larger organisations, it also reflects the company’s contribution to building Namibia’s broader ICT ecosystem.


Today, Green employs more than 125 people, contributing not only to Namibia’s digital transformation but also to the country’s broader employment landscape. Green alumni form part of various institutions, including Ministries, financial institutions, and organisations both locally and internationally. Currently, nearly 14% of Green’s permanent workforce consists of former interns who successfully transitioned into full-time roles, while an additional seven trainees are currently developing their skills across various departments.


Since 2018, Green has maintained a structured Learning and Development Programme aimed at bridging the gap between education and the workplace. The programme accommodates students at both tertiary and senior secondary levels, including Grade 12 (AS Level) learners, as part of the company’s commitment to exposing young people to professional environments early in their academic journey.


Through its Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Programme, students are given the opportunity to gain practical experience in both the technical and administrative areas of ICT. Internships typically run between three to six months and provide hands-on exposure to real projects, professional mentorship, and working environments that prepare students for industry demands. For many young people, these experiences become their first meaningful introduction to the professional world and help build both confidence and capability.


What Green has aimed to achieve through this initiative is to expose students to the ethics and culture of work. In an industry that evolves as quickly as ICT, culture plays a critical role in whether talent is nurtured or lost. At Green, emphasis is placed on continuous learning, collaboration, mentorship, and accountability. Young professionals are encouraged to contribute ideas, learn from experienced teams, and take ownership of their growth.


This kind of environment not only supports professional development but also creates a pipeline of skilled individuals who are ready to grow within the industry. It is an approach that Namibia increasingly needs as the country works to address youth unemployment and skills development challenges.


As Namibia continues to produce graduates in large numbers, the responsibility of creating pathways to employment should not rest on one sector. The ICT industry has shown that with the right investment in people, work culture, and skills development, it is possible to turn potential into opportunity. The focus now should be on expanding these efforts so that more young Namibians are not only educated but meaningfully employed and empowered to contribute to the country’s future.


Tanya Elliot is a human resources official at Green Enterprise Solutions.