The rise of technology has changed how we work, communicate, and create, but it has also exposed a critical gap in skills within the Marketing, Advertising, and Communications (MAC) industry.
I started my career in advertising in Namibia in 1985. It was a long, exciting, and tumultuous journey. One thing that made my life easier back then was the introduction of the Macintosh computer. I don’t think designers today fully grasp the impact of the good old Macintosh.
Throughout my career, modernization, new software, equipment, and technology made our lives easier. They opened up processes for better and more creative applications. Every technological advance added a spring to our step and brought a smile to our faces in the industry.
Unfortunately, one thing never changed throughout the years: people.
We have always struggled with people who were untrained in marketing and advertising, assuming it was easier than being an accountant or a lawyer. If someone didn’t know what to do in life, they became a marketer. In corporate settings, individuals who showed potential were often promoted into marketing roles—sometimes, to the detriment of the brand they worked on.
Now, in 2024, as I look back at my career with pride and nostalgia, I realize that while everything in our industry is racing forward on a Formula 1 track to the future, one issue remains: people.
In today’s increasingly challenging business environment, effective leadership is more crucial than ever. However, we see a troubling trend: many people are finding themselves in marketing positions without the necessary training or qualifications.
This is why we’re launching the Ogilvy Academy. Born from a deep understanding of our marketing community and a burning passion to bridge the skills gap in our industry, the Academy’s aim isn’t just to teach digital skills. We’re nurturing the next generation of Namibian storytellers, innovators, and culture shapers. The world is increasingly being shaped by technology—how do we use these resources to empower the next marketer to stand tall and make an impact on the global marketing landscape?
We are on the brink of a digital revolution that could create 250,000 digital jobs by 2026, transforming not only our industry but our entire nation.
Did you know that about 70% of our population, which stands at 3 million as of 2023, is under the age of 35? (Namibia Statistics Agency, 2023). That’s nearly 1.8 million young minds brimming with ideas, eager to contribute to our industry.
Enter my fifteen-year tenure with Red & Yellow Creative School of Business. Started by Ogilvy in 1994 in Cape Town, Red & Yellow has always been my go-to place for creative talent. Today is no different.
The digital evolution now provides us with the opportunity to address the ongoing challenge of finding qualified people in our industry. The courses offered by our partner, Red & Yellow Creative School of Business, are mostly online and accessible to anyone in Namibia who wants to pursue a career in marketing. Every discipline in our industry is covered, allowing professionals to upskill and make their partnership with agencies a more sustainable and exciting journey.
“Professionalisation of the CCI ensures that talent is nurtured, respected and rewarded. Successful talent management leads to job creation, an increase in export revenue, and the promotion of tourism, which are all key for national development.” Statement by Her Excellency, Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah (@VPSWAPO), Vice President of Namibia at the Inaugural Session of the Namibia Creative Summit National Theater of Namibia Friday, 6 September 2024
Ogilvy Namibia has seized the opportunity to partner with the Red & Yellow Creative School of Business to bring all of their online courses to Namibia. Keep an eye out for the launch of our partnership and the benefits it will bring to the Namibian MAC community.
Red & Yellow Creative School of Business offers short courses exclusively online, ranging from 5 to 15 weeks. These courses will empower you to become an asset in the MAC environment.
They also offer online national diplomas in Digital Marketing, Copywriting, User-Centric Design, and other specialized courses for the advertising industry.
Ultimately, people don’t need to be our Achilles’ heel anymore. With the options offered through Ogilvy Academy, you can upskill from the comfort of your own home or office. Finally, we can be true partners in brand building!
This initiative will bring more than just qualified individuals to Namibia. It will fuel our creative economy, create opportunities for entrepreneurs to become self-sufficient, and help our people grow.
Words: Anny Mouton
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