Be Your Own Boss
The Capricorn Foundation, in partnership with Unmatched Potential – Business Box Namibia, recently
announced the 20 selected vocational graduates who will receive three months of entrepreneurship
mentorship training. The Vocational Graduate Entrepreneurship Programme, which will be hosted in Swakopmund, Namibia, aims to equip the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) graduates with essential entrepreneurial skills, mentorship and practical business experience. They will contribute to youth development and economic empowerment, as TVET in Namibia continues to play a crucial role in the
country's growth.
Launched on 19 March 2026, the entrepreneurship mentorship Programme invited level 3 vocational
graduates to apply. From the pool of applicants, 30 individuals were shortlisted and invited to present to
a panel of judges why they should be part of the Programme. Of the 30 individuals, 20 were selected as
successful candidates to join the three-month Programme, which commenced on 13 May 2026. The selected 20 are Job Megameno Shilumbu, Norberth Sakeus, Samuel Shitaleni Nghihangwa, Frans Shindongo, Letta Mateus, Erasmus Shapota, Melgisedek Gawusab, Nikanor Shipopyeni, Petrina Shalongo Mateus, Teodor Megameno Norbert, Priscilla Tina Kambonde, Knowledge Amukuyu, David Kalitheni Nangaku, Johanna Setson, Astofel Shipanga Nande, Saara Tomas, Hedwig Imanuel, Shaldon Huston Isaaks, Ukarapo Kazenaimue and Andreas Hamwoomo Shilongo.
Veripura Muukua, Head of the Capricorn Foundation, said, “The Capricorn Foundation, under its Economic
Advancement, aims to drive inclusive and sustainable economic livelihoods by supporting entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, and empowering youth and women through skills development and enterprise support. The Capricorn Foundation, as Connectors of Positive Change, believes that the Programme will drive entrepreneurial culture for the participants and that they will become thriving future entrepreneurs.” Etienne Raymond, Founder & CEO of Unmatched Potential – Business Box Namibia, stated, “The need from the VTC Graduates for practical entrepreneurial development is significant. We knew from the start of this focused initiative that the need was great, and this solution is filling the gap that currently exists in equipping and empowering VTC graduates, but through the process of receiving and reviewing 82 applications and listening to the applicants who presented to us, we now know this for a fact.
We are, therefore, as we have always been, excited about the amazing, talented youth of our country and are
looking forward to helping these VTC Graduates create the lives that God has destined for them. They all
have the ability to create businesses and to create further employment, and we look forward to seeing
how their journey unfolds during the Be Your Own Boss Programme.” Priscilla Luis Kambonde, participant, commented, “I am delighted to be selected and to be part of the Programme. Week one was mind-opening and a game-changer for me. I am looking forward to the next three months and gaining critical business skills which I can apply in the real world. “I never really understood the business ecosystem or how to keep and create value for the business until we started week one of the Programme. I am excited for the next three months,” said Shaldon Isaaks, participant. “I am happy to be on the Programme; it is a wonderful initiative. I am excited to become an entrepreneur, and I believe that this Programme is an investment in our minds, helping us start thinking like entrepreneurs, develop business concepts, become entrepreneurs and contribute to the drive of our economy,” noted David Nangaku.
