A recruitment drive for 200 Namibian youth for jobs on MSC cruise ships is underway in Walvis Bay.

Namibian youth are being offered a gateway to global careers at sea through an initiative by the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board, in partnership with MSC Cruises.

The programme, with the third-largest cruise line in the world, aims to connect young people with safe, regulated employment opportunities at sea.

"MSC Cruises also maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against modern slavery, forced labour, and human trafficking," said NIPDB Executive for Talent, Innovation, and Productivity Julia Muetudhana. She continued to explain that "for NIPDB, this valuable partnership creates one of many pathways for our youth for global decent employment opportunities, and it offers social protection. So when we speak about social protection, it's pension and medical aid."

The initiative combines masterclasses and interviews, targeting 200 Namibians, especially those with conversational German skills.

"We are not here mainly for recruiting; we are here for talent acquisition. We are looking for the crew members, the colleagues working on board who may become the managers of the upcoming years," said MSC Business and HR Partner for Talent Acquisition Mario Savoia.

About 100 Namibians are already working onboard MSC vessels. Among them is Erikka Muniato, who taught herself German and secured a job last year.

The programme also aims to address Namibia's high youth unemployment rate, with officials encouraging young people to learn German and apply.

Among the requirements is proficiency in conversational German, as these young individuals will be serving customers on MSC Cruises and must be able to communicate effectively. 

On the 15th of May, the application webpage will become available. 

MSC operates a fleet of 24 ships and has a workforce of over 55,000 individuals globally.