In a continued effort to equip Namibian youth with essential career resources and guidance, the 14th Annual Careers Expo was officially launched at a Welcoming Cocktail Event, marking the beginning of this highly anticipated initiative. The event brought together key stakeholders, corporate leaders, government representatives, and education specialists, all united by a shared commitment to shaping the future of Namibia’s young professionals.
Established in 2009 by a group of young professionals, the Careers Expo has since evolved into an annual tradition that provides learners with direct access to industry experts, corporate leaders, higher education institutions, and entrepreneurial opportunities. Over the years, this initiative has transformed into a vital career development platform, guiding thousands of learners toward informed and purposeful career choices.
Proudly supported by Sanlam Namibia and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Careers Expo will take place from April 3rd to 4th, serving as a platform for professional development, mentorship, and career exploration for learners across the country. It aims to enlighten school learners from various schools in the country on the professional opportunities available to them. The Expo has seen growth. Last year, it welcomed 3,500 learners from across the country, hosted 30 exhibition stands, and featured 25 expert speakers who shared invaluable insights. This year, it is expected to have a bigger reach. Speaking at the launch event, the chairperson of the Careers Expo Jason Kasuto gave an overview of the expo “When you look at the structural issues of our economy, the one significant characteristic, is the number of those that are not part of the formal economy. Exposure, and Networks are vital to start breaking structural issues of a dual economy.
When we as founders of the Careers Expo, 14 years ago canvassed the concept to stakeholders, there was a question that stood out: “you talk of access, why are you then not hosting the Careers Expo in Katutura”, our response was simple “We believe that exposing our learners in an environment on the other side town, can also inspire the thought of change”. We stand by that till today. Looking ahead, we are excited to announce that next year, 2026, the Careers Expo will expand into a 1-week platform, a Careers Week that expands to more learners, provides a 360-degree platform of engagements, amongst educators, policymakers, private sector, civil society and multinational organizations. Therefore, deepening the reach and catalyzing transformation,” he remarked. Kasuto further added on the future of the expo “Looking ahead, we are excited to announce that next year, the Careers Expo will expand into a week-long event. This extension will allow for deeper engagement, more interactive sessions, and increased exposure to career opportunities, ensuring that every learner has ample time to explore, learn, and connect with industry leaders,” he noted.
Additionally, the expo will introduce the Sanlam Speakers Hall, a dedicated space where industry experts will share their career journeys, insights into evolving job markets, and advice on personal and professional growth. Newly appointed minister of Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Art & Culture Hon. Sanet Steenkamp applauded the initiative “The Ministry applauds this initiative for bridging the gap between education and career readiness. The Careers Expo serves as a beacon of knowledge and inspiration, illuminating the diverse career pathways available to our learners. It is initiatives like this that reaffirm our collective commitment to equipping the Namibian child with the necessary information, tools, and guidance to make informed decisions about their futures.
With the transformation of the Ministry came a renewed mandate, one that we are determined to achieve in the next five years. Initiatives such as the Careers Expo play a crucial role in bringing us closer to these goals. The mandate of the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts & Culture focuses on enhancing education infrastructure, providing free higher education and vocational training, and creating youth apprenticeship and internship programs to bridge the gap between learning and employment.,” she noted. In attendance were the main sponsors of the Careers Expo, Erika Goldson the Country Rep of UNFPA expressed “Namibia has a youthful population, and this presents a unique opportunity for development, if young people are provided with the right knowledge, skills, and opportunities. Investing in their education, health, and well-being is key to harnessing the demographic dividend.” she mentioned.
CEO of Sanlam Tertius Stears further added on their continued support for the initiative “Let’s be honest, when we are young, the prospect of choosing a career can feel overwhelming. Often, we simply don’t know where to begin. Through this initiative, Sanlam aspires to be that guiding hand, helping learners to uncover their inherent passions, to understand the diverse opportunities available, and to ultimately make informed and confident decisions about their future. We firmly stand by the principles of growth through guidance, the power of hard work, and the fundamental right to freedom of choice in shaping one’s professional life. We recognise that these career decisions have a ripple effect, impacting not only individuals but the prosperity and progress of our entire society,” he commented.
With growing support from key industry players, educational institutions, and government agencies, the Careers Expo remains a platform of opportunities for the next generation of Namibian professionals. The 14th Annual Careers Expo is set to be a transformative experience, shaping the future of Namibia’s workforce and empowering learners with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive.