Nedbank Namibia launches Education Trust 

1 April 2025 – Nedbank Namibia is proud to announce the launch of the NedNamibia Holdings Education Trust-an initiative designed to support the educational aspirations of NNH Group employees and their dependents.

The official launch took place on Monday, 31 March 2025 at Nedbank Namibia Campus in Windhoek.

The Trust has been established to manage shares and investments that generate income, which will be used to provide financial assistance for the education of NNH Group employees and their dependents.

This year, 23 beneficiaries, including 16 Nedbank employees and 7 Nedbank employee dependents, will receive funding for their studies through the Trust. These beneficiaries, who hail from various parts of the country as far as Lüderitz and Oshikango, are pursuing diverse qualifications in fields like banking finance, cyber security, and microbiology.

Through the Trust, qualifying employees and their dependents will have access to funding for education at accredited institutions within the SADC region, across any field of study.

Nedbank Namibia considers this initiative an investment in education that promises immeasurable returns-empowering individuals, strengthening communities, and fostering a more prosperous Namibia and re-emphasizes Nedbank’s commitment of supporting the national agenda of providing access to quality education. This sentiment was echoed by NNH Group Remco Chairperson, Florentia Amuenje during her address at the launch event. 

“For us at Nedbank, this initiative is more than just a way to strengthen our human resources strategy and retain employees. It is to capitalize on the profound transformation power of education and to create a lasting impact for the beneficiaries,” Amuenje remarked. 

She further highlighted the challenges facing Namibia, noting that the country's higher education enrolment rate stands at just 28.89%, significantly lower than the global average of 40%. “This gap underscores the urgent need for solutions to make education accessible to all,” she said.

Amuenje also emphasised the transformative potential of tertiary education, noting that individuals with higher education are 24% more likely to secure employment. “This is where the NNH Education Trust comes in. The founders recognised this need and established the Trust to offer financial assistance to our staff and their dependents who wish to pursue tertiary qualifications.” 

Although still in its early stages, the NNH Education Trust marks the culmination of an ongoing effort by Nedbank Namibia to transform its internal culture. 

Nedbank Namibia’s Employee Value Proposition (EVP) is built around several key elements such as Career Development, Work-life Balance, an Inclusive Culture, Recognition, and rewards and finally, Purpose and Impact. Last year, the bank launched its on-site Wellness Facility, which has greatly enhanced employee health and wellness. With a focus on physical, mental, and emotional health, the facility offers Nedbankers the support they need to achieve both their personal and professional wellness goals.

This initiative played a key role in earning Nedbank Namibia the prestigious Institute of People Management (IPM) HR Centre of Excellence Award of the Year in 2024, recognising the bank's commitment to prioritising employee health and well-being. 

Other notable achievements include the creation of the Affirmative Action, Transformation, and Diversity Forum, aimed at promoting a more inclusive and equitable workplace, the introduction of a flexible work practice policy, the inspiring Top Achiever Recognition Awards as well as the notable improvements in our Employee Pulse Survey ratings resulting from our enhanced people practices. 

In 2024, Nedbank Namibia also demonstrated its commitment to education by investing significantly in employee development, awarding bursaries totalling N$715,000 for various qualifications of which12 internal employees benefited from these bursaries, - the highest number of internal bursaries ever granted. Additionally, we have promoted over 50 Nedbankers in 2024, the highest number of internal promotions ever recorded, which is testament to our commitment to supporting our employees’ career development.

“We firmly believe that investing in our employees not only fosters individual growth but also drives organisational success,” Bianca Muller, Nedbank Namibia's Human Resources Executive shared while speaking at the launch event. 

She highlighted the tangible benefits of employee development, noting, “According to a global survey, companies that provide training and development opportunities to engaged employees are 17% more productive and 21% more profitable.”

Muller also emphasised the importance of education for younger generations, particularly Gen Z. “More than two-thirds of this generation believe that training is not just beneficial but essential for a successful career. This shows how important it is to provide the right development opportunities needed to attract, engage, and retain our workforce.”

Martha Murorua, Managing Director of Nedbank Namibia, reinforced the bank's philosophy on education: “At Nedbank Namibia, we see education not as a privilege but as a fundamental right. It is the key that unlocks opportunities, fosters personal growth, and drives collective progress.”

“The establishment of this Trust stems from a deep belief that by supporting our employees and their families, we can transform lives and strengthen the communities we all belong to.”