MSC Cruises recruits Namibians
The Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) has announced 130 vacancies for Namibians aboard MSC Cruises ships, as the country seeks to expand employment opportunities for young people.
The initiative forms part of a partnership between the NIPDB and the world's third-largest cruise line, established in mid-2023 to connect suitably qualified Namibians with international employment and skills development opportunities.
The latest recruitment drive has made nearly 200 positions available. So far, 75 candidates have received job offers, with four having already departed to begin work aboard cruise ships. The remaining successful candidates are expected to embark between November 2026 and March 2027.
The vacancies come as youth unemployment remains a significant challenge in Namibia. According to the Namibia Statistics Agency's 2023 Labour Force Survey, unemployment among people aged 15 to 34 stood at 44.1%.
The partnership offers positions in hospitality, food and beverage, guest services, entertainment, retail, beauty and wellness.
Under the arrangement, the NIPDB is responsible for public awareness, outreach and stakeholder engagement, while also connecting eligible applicants with MSC Cruises. The cruise line provides employment opportunities and exposure to an international working environment.
The initiative has already attracted considerable interest. During the initial recruitment drive in 2023 and early 2024, more than 8,400 applications were received. Of these, 42 candidates were offered jobs, and 25 took up positions aboard MSC cruise ships.
The NIPDB said the partnership was intended to help Namibians gain practical skills, experience international workplace standards and improve their long-term career prospects.
The investment promotion agency also cited MSC Cruises' stated commitment to human rights, fair business practices and a zero-tolerance approach to human trafficking as considerations in selecting the company as a partner.
The current opportunities are open to Namibian citizens aged 18 and older who have completed Grade 10, 11 or 12 and are proficient in German.
Eligible candidates can view the available positions, specific job requirements and application forms at www.nipdb.com/msccruises. Further enquiries can be sent to [email protected].
The NIPDB said the partnership demonstrated how collaboration with international companies could create employment opportunities while helping address persistent challenges, including unemployment and poverty.
