The Old Mutual Foundation will host the Youth Indaba 3.0 on 12 February 2026 at the UNAM Hifikepunye Pohamba (HP) Campus in Ongwediva, under the theme “From Learning to Earning: Creating Sustainable Futures.”
Now in its third edition, the Youth Indaba has become a flagship platform for meaningful engagement on youth development, economic inclusion, and the future of work
The 2026 edition builds on this momentum by focusing on practical pathways that enable young people to translate education, skills, and personal potential into sustainable livelihoods.
The Indaba will convene youth, policymakers, industry leaders, development practitioners, educators, and entrepreneurs for a robust programme comprising keynote addresses, panel discussions, and focused breakaway sessions.
Conversations will centre on career identity and workplace readiness, entrepreneurship and innovation, financial capability, personal branding, emotional intelligence, and emerging opportunities within key economic sectors.
Designed as an action-oriented dialogue, the Youth Indaba 3.0 places strong emphasis on employability, enterprise development, and long-term resilience.
It seeks to bridge the gap between learning institutions and labour market realities, while equipping young people with the mindset, tools, and networks required to navigate an evolving socio-economic landscape.
Speaking ahead of the event, Patricia Olivier, Chairperson of the Old Mutual Foundation, said the Indaba reflects the Foundation’s continued commitment to youth empowerment and sustainable development.
“Youth unemployment remains one of the most pressing challenges facing our country. Through the Youth Indaba, we are intentionally shifting the conversation from aspiration to action, ensuring that young people are not only learning, but are able to earn, create value, and build sustainable futures for themselves and their communities.”
The Old Mutual Foundation Youth Indaba 3.0 aligns with the Foundation’s broader mandate to promote inclusive growth, skills development, and financial well-being.
By fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors, the Indaba aims to contribute to practical solutions that place young people at the centre of Namibia’s economic transformation.
In the photo: The 2023 Youth Indaba.
