The 2025 MTC Content Creators Awards officially entered its nomination phase on Tuesday evening, with telecom giant MTC reaffirming its commitment to developing Namibia’s digital creative industry as the event’s headline sponsor for the next three years.
The announcement was made during a nominations event attended by content creators, media representatives, and corporate partners. Tim Ekandjo, representing MTC, delivered a keynote address emphasising the company’s dedication to transforming passion into sustainable careers for local creators.
Now in its second year, the awards feature 21 categories recognising excellence across various digital content fields. Ekandjo highlighted that MTC’s involvement goes beyond glamour, aiming instead to build a viable local creator economy that contributes meaningfully to participants and the nation.
“Globally, the Creator Economy is estimated to be worth over $250 billion,” said Ekandjo. “We must now start to co-create and build Namibia’s Creator Economy so that the benefits become visible.”
He noted the significant growth of Namibian creators who are using their platforms to shape culture, share unique stories, and inspire audiences across diverse niches including fashion, wellness, travel, and lifestyle.
Citing global trends, Ekandjo shared that more than 165 million content creators have joined social media since 2020, with 61% of video creators viewing content creation as an accepted and respectable career path. He also pointed out the contrasting perceptions between creators, who often see themselves as entrepreneurs, and brands, who frequently label them as influencers.
MTC and corporate Namibia are calling for more authentic, relatable content that reflects genuine local lifestyles and experiences. Ekandjo stressed the importance of fair remuneration and serious partnership between brands and creators.
However, he also cautioned that the industry faces challenges such as limited brand budgets, access to quality equipment, monetisation issues, and mental health pressures, particularly affecting young creators.
In a major show of support, MTC has doubled the prize monies and tripled the overall event budget compared to last year. The main awards ceremony is scheduled for November 29, 2025, in Windhoek. The event is co-sponsored by Fresh FM, Savanna, One Africa, and iPrint, with an open invitation for additional partners to join.
Ekandjo concluded with a message to creators: “Your content is a reflection of you. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but it does have to be something you are proud of. Don’t wait for inspiration, create it.”
The nominees across all 21 categories were announced at the event, setting the stage for what promises to be a celebrated occasion in Namibia’s digital content calendar.