Windhoek. Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) in Namibia has partnered with Community Skills Development Foundation (COSDEF) and donated N$450 000 to enable skills training for women and youth.
Women and youth are integral to our continent’s shared success, and CCBA seeks to empower them by enabling their economic inclusion throughout our markets on the continent. In Namibia we are partnering with COSDEF to provide skills training to assist women and youth to partake in economic development activities.
CCBA in Namibia’s Country Manager for Public Affairs, Communication and Sustainability, Enid Johr explained, “CCBA has adopted the three pillars of education, employability, and entrepreneurship as a framework for our economic inclusion initiatives.”
CCBA defines economic inclusion as the opening of gainful economic opportunities by providing access to markets and other economic activities related to its business and the entire industry. “Our aim is to boost income, provide decent earning potential and improve skills and business knowledge for women, resulting in them accessing further opportunities,” continues Johr. “Our efforts will remain focused on ensuring that women and youth run successful enterprises, increasing their participation in the formal economy through education and initiating programmes to prepare them for the world of work.”
COSDEF Business Development and Marketing Manager, Koesha Martin said: “It would be difficult to operate without the support of organisations such as CCBA in Namibia. They enable us to live out our vision and mission and share our belief in the importance of collaboration, that organisations are more effective when we form partnerships.”
COSDEF aims to be a bridge for Namibian youth, low skilled women, and primarily caters to those who have not completed their schooling, are unemployed or underemployed, by empowering and giving them the necessary skills within various industries.
Martin further elaborates: “Economic advancement focused on entrepreneurial skills development, education, and the provision of skills development training for women is one of COSDEF’s primary focus areas. We believe this training will empower women with skills that can assist them in navigating challenging times due to lack of job opportunities and a tough economic outlook.”
CCBA will continue to focus on creating a better shared future through programmes that grow and sustain small businesses and enhance livelihoods, resulting in increased economic value and business capability for women, youth, communities and our business.
