By Staff Reporter
WINDHOEK – Young Namibians have an opportunity to access international careers, with 130 positions aboard MSC Cruises ships remaining open under a partnership with the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB).
In a media statement issued on Thursday, Catherine Shipushu, Acting Executive: Competitiveness and Branding at the NIPDB, said the initiative forms part of efforts to address youth unemployment, which remains a major national concern.
According to the Namibia Statistics Agency’s 2023 Labour Force Survey, youth unemployment among Namibians aged 15 to 34 stood at 44.1%.
The NIPDB has partnered with MSC Cruises, the world’s third-largest cruise line, to connect suitably qualified Namibians with international employment opportunities. The board said its decision to work with the company was informed by its commitment to human rights, its zero-tolerance approach to human trafficking, and its transparent and fair business practices.
Partnership Opens International Career Opportunities
Launched in mid-2023, the partnership aims to create employment opportunities for Namibians aboard MSC ships in hospitality, food and beverage, guest services, entertainment, retail, and beauty and wellness.
The NIPDB is responsible for awareness campaigns, stakeholder engagement and connecting eligible Namibians with the recruitment process, while MSC Cruises provides employment opportunities and international workplace exposure to successful candidates.
75 Candidates Receive Job Offers
Shipushu said the initial recruitment drive, conducted in 2023 and early 2024, attracted more than 8,400 applications. Of these, 42 candidates received job offers, and 25 subsequently took up positions aboard MSC ships.
The initiative was expanded in 2026, with close to 200 job opportunities made available to Namibians. So far, 75 candidates have received offers, while four have already departed to begin working aboard the ships.
The remaining successful candidates are expected to embark between November 2026 and March 2027, leaving 130 positions available.
Beyond employment, the programme provides participants with exposure to international workplace standards, professional practices and industry experience that could strengthen their long-term career prospects.
The NIPDB said Namibia has talented and ambitious young people capable of competing internationally but who may lack access to suitable opportunities. It therefore encouraged eligible citizens to apply.
Eligibility and Application Process
The current opportunities are open to Namibian citizens aged 18 and above who have completed Grade 10, 11 or 12 and are proficient in German.
Interested applicants can visit the NIPDB’s official application page at www.nipdb.com/msccruises to review available positions, specific job requirements and the application form.
Further enquiries can be directed to tip@nipdb.com.
The NIPDB said the partnership demonstrates how strategic collaboration can expand access to employment while contributing to efforts to address persistent socioeconomic challenges, including unemployment and poverty.
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