Major investment powers Bloomberg Finance Lab Schools Initiative

Access to technology used by leading universities
Ndapandula Lilonga
  • 2 Days Ago

Namibian learners are gaining early access to global financial tools and skills through the newly launched Bloomberg Finance Lab Schools Initiative, aimed at strengthening financial literacy, career awareness and digital skills among young people.

The initiative was officially launched in Windhoek last week, marking a new partnership between education, government and industry to prepare learners for an increasingly competitive global economy.

Hosted by the Harold Pupkewitz Graduate School of Business (HPGSB) and the Namibia Investment and Finance Academy (NIFA), the launch took place at the Bloomberg Finance Lab in the HTTPS Building.

Through the programme, learners will be introduced to financial technology, market analysis tools and practical skills normally associated with professional finance environments.

Delivering the keynote address, Deputy Minister of Education Dino Ballotti described the initiative as an important milestone for Namibia’s education sector.

Drawing on his own experience in the financial industry, Ballotti said Bloomberg terminals are used by leading universities and financial institutions around the world, and that access to the technology gives Namibian learners an advantage before they enter higher education or the workplace.

He said financial literacy, innovation and career guidance have become essential parts of preparing young people for the future.

Ballotti praised the partnership between the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), MTC Namibia and NIFA, saying it supports efforts to equip learners with skills needed in a changing economy.

Khomas Region Governor Sam Nujoma said the region supported the initiative because it helps bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical workplace experience. He encouraged other regions to develop similar programmes, describing Khomas’ support as “the floor others build on, not the ceiling of this initiative’s ambition”.

NUST Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Andrew Niikondo said the Bloomberg Finance Lab was established in 2025 through a partnership between NUST, MTC Namibia and NIFA, becoming Africa’s first Bloomberg Finance Lab.

Initially designed for postgraduate and executive education, the facility has now been expanded to include Grade 8 learners, giving school pupils access to the same technology used to train finance professionals.

Speaking on behalf of MTC Namibia, Tim Ekandjo highlighted the company’s N$1.6 million investment in the facility, which includes 12 Bloomberg terminals valued at about N$500 000 each.

He said the investment was aimed at ensuring young Namibians can access world-class learning opportunities without having to leave the country.

For learners, the initiative represents more than access to technology – it offers an opportunity to explore careers, understand global markets and develop confidence in a world where financial and digital skills are becoming increasingly important.