Entrepreneur Knowledge Katti has donated a 10% stake in his oil and gas exploration company, Giraffe Energy, as well as N$1 million in cash to the ||Kharas Youth Trust.
The handover happened during the signing of three youth-focused MoUs at Lüderitz on Tuesday.
The first day of the ||Kharas Governor's Symposium ended with a notable investment into the future of southern Namibian youth, as three Memoranda of Understanding were signed between the ||Kharas Governor's Office, Giraffe Energy, the National Youth Council and Quintus Investment CC.
Giraffe Energy holds a 33% interest in Petroleum Exploration Licence 79 in the Orange Basin, adjacent to major oil discoveries and considered one of Namibia's most promising exploration areas.
Governor Dawid Gertze said the MoU between Giraffe Energy and the Kharas Youth Trust was spearheaded by Knowledge Katti to empower Namibians by ensuring inclusive benefits from the country's natural resources.
"This empowerment breakthrough will unlock unprecedented access for ||Kharas youth to vital skills, training and opportunities via their equity stake in Giraffe Energy, contrary to the general belief that you receive gifts on your birthday. Mr Katii, on his birthday, contributed N$1 million cash to the ||Kharas Youth Trust. These funds will be strategically deployed to uplift and advance our young generation."
The Director of the National Youth Council, Calista Schwartz, highlighted that the National Youth Council plays a crucial role in strengthening youth development efforts.
"In the Kharas Governor Trust, where do we see ourselves? We see ourselves as implementers because we need to help the Governor to ensure the objectives and the mandate of the funds are successfully implemented, and we can only do it once we sign a memorandum of understanding because it is a commitment we are making in black and white that any person can be held accountable for."
The third MoU with Quintus Investment CC focuses on agriculture, establishing a flagship development project designed to provide training and direct employment opportunities.
"This long-term commitment is crucial for building genuine capacity and fostering agribusiness development. As part of this public-private partnership, the governor's office will also receive a dedicated share of the project yields."
Gertze added that the proceeds will be directly channelled into the office development fund, providing a sustainable revenue stream to maintain and continually support broader youth and community development programmes across the region.