We recognise that Namibia has talented, ambitious young people who are ready to compete on the global stage, but may not always have access to the right opportunities. Through our partnership with MSC Cruises, the NIPDB is opening doors for our people to gain international work experience, build valuable skills and grow their careers,
said Catherine Shipushu, Acting Executive for Competitiveness and Branding at the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB).
Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board Expands MSC Cruises Partnership to Tackle Youth Unemployment
Young Namibians have been granted fresh access to international careers as the NIPDB announced that 130 positions remain open aboard MSC Cruises ships. The initiative is part of an ongoing partnership established in mid-2023 between the investment board and the cruise operator, which is recognized as the world’s third-largest cruise line. The program is designed to help address severe domestic socioeconomic hurdles, particularly youth unemployment, by connecting qualified citizens with global workplace exposure and professional development.
VACANCIES | MSC Cruises is recruiting young Namibians for 200+ onboard roles in hospitality, guest services, wellness, entertainment and operations. Apply by 24 April 2026 for interviews on 28–29 April in Walvis Bay or virtually: https://t.co/d8FDCf7WZl #MSC #NIPDB #Opportunities pic.twitter.com/998lGQW17E
— https://x.com/NIPDB/status/2042512921121689713
According to figures from the Namibia Statistics Agency’s 2023 Labour Force Survey, youth unemployment among individuals aged 15 to 34 stood at 44.1%. Officials noted that the collaboration aims to alleviate these persistent challenges by offering practical training and employment in sectors such as hospitality, food and beverage, guest services, entertainment, retail, and beauty and wellness.
Recruitment Progress and Expansion
The collaboration has scaled up significantly since its initial launch. During the first recruitment drive held in 2023 and early 2024, the program drew more than 8,400 applications. That initial round yielded 42 job offers, with 25 candidates ultimately taking up roles aboard the vessels.
For the current expanded initiative, nearly 200 employment opportunities have been made available to Namibian citizens. Out of this expanded pool, 75 candidates have received job offers so far, and four individuals have already departed to begin their service at sea. The remaining successful candidates are scheduled to embark on their duties between November 2026 and March 2027, leaving the current total of 130 vacancies available for application.
The NIPDB stated that its decision to partner with MSC Cruises was reinforced by the company’s commitment to human rights, transparent business practices, and a strict zero-tolerance policy regarding human trafficking. Under the terms of the agreement, the NIPDB manages public awareness campaigns, outreach, and stakeholder engagement, while the cruise operator supplies the jobs and international working environment.
Application Criteria and Next Steps
To qualify for the remaining 130 positions, applicants must meet specific administrative and linguistic criteria established by the recruitment partners:
* Must be Namibian citizens aged 18 and older. * Must have completed Grade 10, 11, or 12. * Must demonstrate proficiency in German.
Eligible individuals can review specific job requirements, explore available roles, and submit application forms by visiting the official NIPDB application portal. Further inquiries regarding the openings can be directed to the board’s designated contact channels. Successful applicants taking up positions in the coming months will join those already deployed as part of the ongoing effort to build long-term career prospects for Namibian youth in the international maritime and hospitality sectors.