Capricorn Foundation expands graduate programme to three towns
The Capricorn Foundation, in partnership with Unmatched Potential, is expanding its Vocational Graduate Entrepreneurship Programme, “Be Your Own Boss,” with the launch of Phase 2 in Swakopmund, Otjiwarongo and Outapi.
The next phase builds on the encouraging progress of the pilot programme in Swakopmund and will provide entrepreneurship coaching, mentorship and practical business development support to a new cohort of 32 vocational graduates, while continuing support to 5 graduates from the current cohort. The programme was launched to support vocational graduates in transitioning from technical training to sustainable self-employment and entrepreneurship. It aims to provide them with essential business knowledge, entrepreneurial skills and practical support. The programme invites vocational Level 3 and 4 graduates from accredited institutions, based in Swakopmund, Otjiwarongo and Outapi, to apply for the 3-month mentorship programme, which begins in September.
Veripura Muukua, Head of the Capricorn Foundation, expressed, “As Connectors of Positive Change, we believe the vocational sector is essential for Namibia’s economic growth, addressing unemployment and advancing entrepreneurship. Under its Economic Advancement Focus Area, the Capricorn Foundation is dedicated to creating and promoting opportunities to reduce unemployment.”
She further stated that, “The success of the pilot programme, which was launched in Swakopmund in May 2026, demonstrated to us the potential that exists within Namibia’s vocational graduates. It provided us with an opportunity to see that young people possess valuable technical skills but require support to transform those skills into sustainable businesses and livelihoods.” Phase 2 will expand the programme's reach to Otjiwarongo and Outapi and continue support in Swakopmund. Interested candidates are invited to apply until 7 September 2026. The programme will select 10 candidates from Otjiwarongo and Swakopmund, and 12 graduates from Outapi,
Capricorn Foundation Expands Vocational Graduate Entrepreneurship Programme to Otjiwarongo, Outapi and Swakopmund. Interested candidates are invited to apply until 7 September 2026. The programme will select 10 candidates from Otjiwarongo and Swakopmund, and 12 graduates from Outapi, following its selection process. From the pilot phase of 18 graduates, 5 will be selected to continue to the next phase.
Etienne Raymond, Founder of Unmatched Potential, added, “The pilot phase showed remarkable commitment, growth and resilience from the programme’s participants. We have seen participants shift their thinking from seeking employment to creating opportunities for themselves and others. Phase 2 is an exciting step towards building a new generation of entrepreneurs who can use their vocational expertise to address market needs and unlock economic opportunities within their communities.”
The Vocational Graduate Entrepreneurship Programme aligns with the Capricorn Foundation’s commitment to economic advancement, youth empowerment and entrepreneurship development. By supporting vocational graduates with mentorship, coaching and business development skills, the Foundation continues to invest in sustainable pathways to employment and self-reliance. Applications for the new intake are open to TVET Level 3 and Level 4 graduates based in Swakopmund, Otjiwarongo and Outapi who are unemployed, self-employed or looking to start and grow their own businesses.
The three-month programme will be delivered in person in the three participating towns. Interested individuals can apply here: https://forms.gle/JtaTiYft6eKfuuCD7 or contact Etienne Raymond for more information at [email protected]. The Capricorn Foundation was established by Capricorn Group in February 2020 and is registered as a welfare organisation in Namibia. The Foundation focuses on education, economic advancement, health, vulnerability and sustainability programmes, and continues to collaborate with partners
across the country as a Connector of Positive Change. The Capricorn Foundation is funded by Capricorn Group’s Namibian subsidiaries, Bank Windhoek, Capricorn Asset Management and Entrepo.
