Bank Windhoek, Katuka inspire Namibia’s future female leaders
Bank Windhoek, Katuka inspire Namibia’s future female leaders
Bank Windhoek has entered its seventh strategic partnership with the Katuka Mentorship
Programme reaffirming a shared commitment to developing ethical, skilled and financially
empowered young female leaders for Namibia’s future. Through this partnership, Bank
Windhoek will support the delivery of Katuka’s structured mentorship model, which equips
young Namibians with leadership skills, career guidance, and financial literacy, essential for
navigating an evolving, opportunity-rich economy.
Speaking on the significance of the collaboration, Desere Lundon-Muller, founder of the Katuka
Mentorship Programme, emphasised that the partnership is rooted in purpose and extends
beyond financial contributions. She added that with Bank Windhoek’s support, the Programme
can expand access to meaningful guidance and equip young people with the tools they need to
become confident leaders and contributors to Namibia’s economy.
The Programme will connect mentees with experienced professionals, as mentors. These
interactions will expose participants to practical insights in leadership, entrepreneurship and
informed financial decision-making.
Championing women’s leadership in a transforming economy
At the Katuka Mentorship Programme orientation event held on Friday, 6 February 2026, in
Windhoek, Bronwyn Moody, Head of Strategic Partnerships at Bank Windhoek, reminded
participants that Namibia is entering a defining era, one shaped by emerging oil discoveries and
expanding economic possibilities. She urged Namibian women to position themselves not as
spectators, but as active participants and leaders.
With offshore oil reserves estimated at 20 billion barrels and projections placing Namibia among
the world’s leading oil producers by 2035, Moody emphasised readiness. “The question is no
longer whether Namibia will change; it is whether Namibian women will be ready when it does,”
she said.
For Bank Windhoek, the seven-year sponsorship of the Katuka Programme is a deliberate
investment in women’s economic empowerment. The initiative equips young women with
networks, confidence, and business-readiness skills, opening pathways across fields such as
logistics, technology, communication, law, and environmental management, all of which are
vital to the oil and gas value chain. "Empowerment is not abstract; it is measurable in
strengthened families, thriving communities, and a more resilient national economy," Moody
added. "We are investing in possibility, in capability, in the voices of young Namibian women
who will shape the industries of tomorrow.”
As a proudly Namibian bank, Bank Windhoek continues to position itself as a partner in national
development, walking alongside entrepreneurs and future leaders by creating pathways to
financial literacy, business readiness, and leadership growth. The Katuka Mentorship
Programme has long been celebrated for its transformative mentor–mentee relationships.
Testimonials from past cohorts consistently highlight growth, resilience, and confidence,
qualities Namibia urgently needs as new industries emerge.
Reflecting on the successful orientation workshop, Lundon-Muller noted the Programme's
intentional, purpose-driven structure. "We have laid a strong foundation for what promises to
be a transformative year. We began by grounding our mentees in purpose, engaged deeply with
our mentors, and brought both groups together to set clear goals and expectations."
She extended gratitude to Bank Windhoek for its ongoing partnership. “We deeply appreciate
the Bank’s commitment to empowering emerging leaders. Its belief in the value of mentorship
is instrumental to making this Programme possible.” Now in its 25th year, the Katuka Mentorship
Programme has supported nearly 600 entrepreneurs and businesswomen, cementing its place
as one of Namibia’s most impactful platforms for nurturing leadership and advancing women in
business.
