Bank Windhoek, Katuka inspire Namibia’s women

Bank Windhoek has entered its seventh strategic partnership with the Katuka Mentorship Programme, reaffirming a shared commitment to developing ethical, skilled and financially empowered young female leaders for Namibia’s future.

Through this partnership, Bank Windhoek will support the delivery of Katuka’s structured mentorship model, which equips young Namibians with leadership skills, career guidance, and financial literacy, essential for navigating an evolving, opportunity-rich economy.

Speaking on the significance of the collaboration, Desere Lundon-Muller, founder of the Katuka Mentorship Programme, emphasised that the partnership is rooted in purpose and extends beyond financial contributions.

She added that with Bank Windhoek’s support, the programme can expand access to meaningful guidance and equip young people with the tools they need to become confident leaders and contributors to Namibia’s economy.

The programme will connect mentees with experienced professionals as mentors. These interactions will expose participants to practical insights in leadership, entrepreneurship and informed financial decision-making.

Championing women’s leadership

At the Katuka Mentorship Programme orientation event held on Friday, 6 February, in Windhoek, Bronwyn Moody, head of strategic partnerships at Bank Windhoek, reminded participants that Namibia is entering a defining era, one shaped by emerging oil discoveries and expanding economic possibilities. She urged Namibian women to position themselves not as spectators, but as active participants and leaders.

With offshore oil reserves estimated at 20 billion barrels and projections placing Namibia among the world’s leading oil producers by 2035, Moody emphasised readiness. “The question is no longer whether Namibia will change; it is whether Namibian women will be ready when it does,” she said.

For Bank Windhoek, the seven-year sponsorship of the Katuka Programme is a deliberate investment in women’s economic empowerment.

The initiative equips young women with networks, confidence, and business-readiness skills, opening pathways across fields such as logistics, technology, communication, law and environmental management, all of which are vital to the oil and gas value chain.

"Empowerment is not abstract; it is measurable in strengthened families, thriving communities, and a more resilient national economy," Moody added. "We are investing in possibility, in capability, in the voices of young Namibian women who will shape the industries of tomorrow.”

As a proudly Namibian bank, Bank Windhoek continues to position itself as a partner in national development, walking alongside entrepreneurs and future leaders by creating pathways to financial literacy, business readiness, and leadership growth.

Katuka mentorship

The programme has long been celebrated for its transformative mentor–mentee relationships. Testimonials from past cohorts consistently highlight growth, resilience, and confidence, qualities Namibia urgently needs as new industries emerge.

Reflecting on the successful orientation workshop, Lundon-Muller noted the programme's intentional, purpose-driven structure. "We have laid a strong foundation for what promises to be a transformative year. We began by grounding our mentees in purpose, engaged deeply with our mentors, and brought both groups together to set clear goals and expectations."

She extended gratitude to Bank Windhoek for its ongoing partnership. “We deeply appreciate the bank’s commitment to empowering emerging leaders. Its belief in the value of mentorship is instrumental to making this programme possible.”

Now in its 25th year, the Katuka Mentorship Programme has supported nearly 600 entrepreneurs and businesswomen, cementing its place as one of Namibia’s most impactful platforms for nurturing leadership and advancing women in business.