NUST, MTC, NIFA launch Bloomberg Finance Lab
The Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) and MTC in collaboration with Namibia Investment and Finance Academy (NIFA) announced the opening of Namibia’s first Bloomberg Finance Lab at the University’s High Tech Transfer Plaza Select (HTTPS).Set to open this month, the lab is a significant step towards enhancing financial literacy, professional training, and investment skills development across Namibia.
Equipped with 12 Bloomberg Terminals, the lab positions NUST alongside more than 1 000 academic institutions worldwide that integrate this leading technology into their curriculum. The Bloomberg Terminal provides real-time and historical data, analytics, market-moving news and electronic trading tools, enabling users to make informed investment decisions and connect securely with a global professional network.
Prof Erold Naomab, Vice Chancellor at NUST said, “At NUST, we are dedicated to nurturing the next generation of financial professionals. Our collaboration with Bloomberg, NIFA and MTC allows us to bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world financial applications, enhancing our students’ career prospects and boosting Namibia’s global competitiveness.”
Dr Licky Erastus, Managing Director at MTC added: “As Namibia’s leading digital solutions and connectivity provider, we believe in leveraging technology to drive sustainable growth. The Bloomberg Finance Lab exemplifies our commitment to innovation and collaboration to position the country at the forefront of digital transformation in finance.”
Specifically, the lab will provide:
• Upskilling and reskilling: Offering globally recognized certifications and hands-on financial training for students, professionals, and government agencies.
• Drive economic development: Creating a pipeline of industry-ready graduates who can contribute to Namibia’s burgeoning financial sector.
• Promote research and innovation: Equipping academics and researchers with state-of-the-art tools to conduct data-driven research and generate policy insights.
World-class
“NIFA was founded to cultivate world-class financial capabilities in Namibia. By making professional training and certifications more accessible, we ensure that our workforce and industry professionals acquire the global competencies required to excel in today’s fast-paced markets,” said Arinze Okafor, Founder and CEO of NIFA.
“Our partnership with NUST and MTC underscores our commitment to elevating financial education in the country. The Bloomberg Finance Lab serves as a gateway for Namibians to access advanced financial tools and globally recognised certifications – empowering them to compete and succeed on the international stage.”
The Bloomberg Finance Lab will help undergraduate and graduate students build the skills needed for a career in finance. Students will have access to e-learning certification courses, including the Bloomberg Market Concepts (BMC) course. Undergraduate and Master’s programme students will also receive training on the use of the Bloomberg Terminal, and take courses on investment, risk and portfolio management.
The lab will also be accessible to the university’s academic community to conduct research projects.
Giuseppe Netti, Head of Middle East & Africa Sales, Bloomberg, said: “We are delighted to work with NUST in launching Namibia’s first Bloomberg Finance Lab. Through this collaboration, we aim to empower students, academics, and professionals with access to the same tools and insights relied upon by the world’s leading business and finance professionals. The lab will not only equip students with critical skills for their future careers but also foster research and innovation to drive the growth of Namibia’s financial ecosystem.”