Gemstone Training Opportunity Opens for Unemployed Namibians in Karibib

Gemstone Training Opportunity Opens for Unemployed Namibians in Karibib. Unemployed youth and women in Namibia are being encouraged to apply for a six-month training programme in gemstone cutting and polishing, set to begin in August 2025 at the Karibib Gemstone Centre. The initiative is led by EMPRETEC Namibia in collaboration with the Department of Industrial Development under the Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade.

The training aims to equip participants with practical skills aligned with Namibia’s broader industrialization goals, as outlined in the National Development Plans (NDPs) and Vision 2030. The programme supports the “Growth at Home” strategy, which prioritizes local production, entrepreneurship, and equitable economic development.

Small-scale mining continues to be a key contributor to rural employment and income generation across Namibia. With many communities situated near gemstone-rich areas, training initiatives such as this one play a vital role in promoting sustainable livelihoods and reducing poverty.

Applicants must be Namibian citizens aged 18 to 35, with at least a Grade 8 qualification and basic English and mathematics skills. Application forms are available for download from the Ministry’s official website or can be collected from regional offices across the country. The deadline for submission is 27 June 2025.

The Karibib Gemstone Centre serves as a national hub for upskilling individuals in the gemstone value chain. The training not only enhances employment prospects but also empowers participants to pursue entrepreneurship in Namibia’s growing semi-precious stone market.