Emerging Bankers Programme Launched for 2026–2027
The Capricorn Foundation, in partnership with Bank Windhoek, officially launched the 2026/2027
Emerging Bankers Programme on Monday, 13 April 2026, at Capricorn Corner in Windhoek. The launch
marked the onboarding of the second cohort of young Namibians into the Programme, which forms part
of Bank Windhoek’s Young Talent Development Programme. Introduced in 2024 with funding from the Capricorn Foundation, the Emerging Bankers Programme creates employment pathways for promising school leavers, particularly from small towns and remote areas, who may not yet have access to tertiary education or study funding. The Programme provides structured workplace exposure, certified training, mentoring and practical experience over an 18-month period.
Building on the success of the inaugural intake, the Capricorn Foundation has committed a further
N$3.24 million for the 2026/2027 Programme, which will run for 18 months. The funding from the
Foundation will support 13 Emerging Bankers in the second cohort by covering employment costs,
training and structured development across Bank Windhoek branches. Capricorn Group Chief Executive Officer, David Nuyoma, said the Programme reflects the Group’s long- standing commitment to people development and inclusive growth. “At the Capricorn Group, we believe talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. The Emerging Bankers Programme is about opening doors, building confidence and giving young people the support they need to take their first steps into the world of work. Developing talent is both a strategic priority and a responsibility, because the future of our Group and our industry depend on the people we nurture today,” he said.
The new cohort follows the successful completion of the first Emerging Bankers intake, which concluded
in 2025 after 18 months of intensive training and workplace exposure across Bank Windhoek branches.
The positive outcomes reaffirmed the Programme’s impact, with participants gaining valuable workplace
skills and improved confidence, and several transitioning into permanent employment or continuing
skills development through related pathways. The Programme responds directly to national youth employment challenges. According to the 2023 Labour Force Report, Namibia has more than one million young people aged 15 to 34, with a significant number not in employment, education or training. Youth participation in the financial services sector remains particularly low, underscoring the importance of targeted interventions such as the Emerging Bankers Programme.
Capricorn Foundation Executive Director, Marlize Horn, said the Foundation is proud to continue supporting the initiative as part of its commitment to enhancing access to quality education. “The Emerging Bankers Programme demonstrates what is possible when organisations invest in young people in a meaningful and structured way. Through this N$3.24 million investment, we are not only creating access to work experience, but also helping young Namibians build confidence, purpose and a foundation for long-term careers. This is how sustainable change is created,” she said.
The 2026/2027 intake represents a continued investment in developing a sustainable talent pipeline for
the financial services sector, while creating opportunities for youth who may otherwise struggle to enter
formal employment. Participants will be placed at Bank Windhoek branches near their home communities, allowing them to gain experience while remaining connected to their local environments. Bank Windhoek’s Managing Director, James Chapman, noted, “By investing in young talent, we are strengthening the future skills pipeline of the banking sector. What makes this Programme particularly significant is its national reach. It is implemented across our network, with a deliberate focus on rural and underserved communities, where employment opportunities are often scarce and difficult to access.
By extending this opportunity beyond urban centres, we are ensuring that no talent is overlooked and
that young people, regardless of where they come from, are given a fair chance to succeed, therefore
contributing to a more inclusive Namibian economy.” The Emerging Bankers Programme is more than a learning path; it is a transformational journey. It provides young people entering the world of work with a professional foundation, emotional support and the real-world exposure they need to thrive within our branches and across Bank Windhoek. GuidedM by committed leaders and mentors, these young bankers are supported through structured onboarding, coaching and hands-on experience that build confidence, instill a sense of belonging, and strengthen banking and customer service capabilities. Our goal is not only to develop technical skills but to shape resilient, purpose-driven professionals who are ready to step forward as the future of banking.
The Capricorn Foundation was established by the Capricorn Group in February 2020 and is a registered
welfare organisation in Namibia. The Foundation focuses on education, health, the environment, and
entrepreneurship, and continues to partner with institutions across the country to drive positive, lasting
change.
