• YOUTH

Namibia Careers Expo kicks off in style with an exclusive welcoming cocktail

• 1 Month Ago

The 14th Annual Careers Expo was officially launched with a Welcoming cocktail event that brought together key stakeholders , corporate leaders , government representatives and education specialists all united by a shared commitment to shaping the further development of Namibia's young professionals.

The welcoming cocktail set the stage for an inspiring and forward thinking two day event, with remarks from Jason Kasuto, co-founder and chairperson of Namibia Careers Expo. Reflecting on the journey since its creation 14 years ago, Kasuto shared how stakeholders initially questioned why the event wasn’t hosted in Katutura, given its goal of expanding access to career opportunities. Addressing this, he explained their strategic vision "We believe that exposing our learners to an environment on the other side of town can inspire a mindset of change, and we stand by that belief to this day." Kasuto stated . Kasuto also announced starting in 2026, the Careers Expo will expand into a week long event. This extension aims to deepen engagement, increase interactions , and provide learners with even more opportunities to explore various career paths and connect with industry professionals.

Supported by Sanlam Namibia and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Careers Expo, scheduled for the 3rd to 4th April, will serve as a vital platform for mentorship, professional development and career exploration, benefiting learners across the country.Sanlam Namibia’s CEO, Tertius Stears, reaffirmed the company's commitment to empowering the youth through career guidance."Let’s be honest when we’re young, choosing a career can feel overwhelming. Many of us simply don’t know where to start. " said Stears He further went on to emphasize that through this initiative, Sanlam aspires to be that guiding hand, helping learners to uncover their inherent passions, to understand the diverse opportunities available, and to ultimately make informed and confident decisions about their future

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A significant highlight of the evening was the newly appointed Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts & Culture, Sanet Steenkamp, who applauded the initiative, recognizing its crucial role in bridging the gap between education and career readiness."The Careers Expo serves as a beacon of knowledge and inspiration, illuminating the diverse career pathways available to our learners. Initiatives like these reaffirm our collective commitment to equipping Namibian youth with the necessary information, tools, and guidance to make informed decisions about their futures." Steenkamp added .

Drawing from her personal experience, the minister shared how a lack of career guidance in her own youth left her navigating career decisions without structured support."When I finished Grade 12, I had no one to sit me down and walk me through my options. I knew I wanted to teach, but I didn’t know which path to take. Had I been exposed to initiatives like the Careers Expo, I believe things would have been different," Steenkamp reflected.She further highlighted the Ministry’s renewed mandate, driven by transformation and a clear commitment to shaping Namibia’s education landscape over the next five years."The Ministry’s focus includes enhancing education infrastructure, providing free higher education and vocational training, and creating apprenticeship and internship programs to bridge the gap between learning and employment. Initiatives like the Careers Expo play a pivotal role in helping us achieve these goals," Steenkamp highlighted .

As the 14th Annual Careers Expo unfolds, it stands as more than just an event, it is a transformative experience and empowers learners with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive and become the next generation of Namibian professionals. kariiue@nma.com.na