Young Namibian creators say they still have a long way to go in the creative industry

MTC, Tim Ekandjo’s big wins leave creators inspired yet hopeless for their success in the creative industry
For young Namibian creators trying to build digital empires from their bedrooms, corporate award ceremonies usually feel like a different planet. But when MTC dominated the Brand Africa Awards in Windhoek, walking away with five massive accolades including the Most Admired Brand Grand Prix, the conversation on the ground shifted. Instead of just celebrating a telecom giant, Namibia’s youth are looking at these wins as a blueprint, and a challenge,for their own creative futures.
Ndapandula Lilonga
  • 2 Days Ago


The statistics behind the awards highlight a frustrating reality: a staggering 85% of the top 100 brands admired by young Africans are still foreign, dominated by global titans like Nike and Apple. Digital creator Undji Kandjii believes MTC’s triumph disrupts this narrative.

"MTC's achievement is a strong statement that Namibian brands can compete on a continental level," Kandjii says. "Winning recognition in Africa shows that excellence isn't limited by the size of the country you're from. But we still have work to do in building stronger local brand loyalty and helping more Namibian businesses scale."

Fellow creator Gracias Tshithigona agrees that the win redefines local benchmarks.

"For a long time, many of us have looked to international brands as the benchmark, but this award proves that excellence can come from right here at home," Tshithigona notes. "That said, we still have a long way to go."

Tim Ekandjo’s recognition as Africa’s Most Influential Chief Marketing Officer resonated deeply with a generation tired of traditional corporate egos. Instead of hoarding the spotlight, Ekandjo immediately shared the glory with ordinary citizens:

"We are grateful for this recognition, but these awards do not belong to MTC alone. They may carry our name, but ultimately, they carry the Namibian story. Every customer, family, community, and Namibian remains the heartbeat of MTC."

For upcoming concert creator Ntombi Zodwa, this humble approach provides genuine motivation.

"As a young aspiring content creator, it’s motivating to see someone from Namibia receive that kind of recognition," Zodwa says. "What stood out to me even more was that he didn’t make it just about himself; he spoke about the Namibian story and the people behind the success."

Tshithigona echoes this sentiment, adding that it changes how young people view success.

"As a young professional and creator, it reminds me that success isn’t just about individual achievement, it’s about creating opportunities for others and showing that people from Namibia can compete and lead on the biggest stages."

While MTC’s wins for 'digital inclusion' and 'social impact' look great on a trophy shelf, young creatives are quick to point out that a gap still exists between glitzy award nights and daily life. Platforms like the MTC Content Creator Awards offer crucial visibility, but systemic barriers remain a major challenge for local talent trying to scale up.

"Opportunities like these motivate young people to take their craft seriously," Zodwa explains. "That said, there are still challenges. Data remains expensive for many young creators, and not everyone has access to the equipment or reliable internet."

While Tshithigona acknowledges that MTC has "made meaningful contributions by supporting local creators, entrepreneurs, youth initiatives, and expanding digital access," the consensus among the youth is that corporate leaders cannot stop here.

Ultimately, MTC’s sweep proves that Namibia has the blueprint to build African giants. For the youth on the ground, the true test of these corporate accolades will be whether this continental success translates into cheaper data, better access, and real, sustainable backing for the next generation of digital storytellers.