The retirement reality check for Namibia’s young professionals

Retirement. For most young professionals, it feels like a distant horizon, something to think about “later,” when life slows down or income feels more stable. But the reality is, retirement planning is not something that can wait for convenience. It requires foresight, discipline, and, most of all, early action. Across Namibia, we’re seeing a generation of rising professionals stepping into financial independence, often as the first in their families to hold salaried positions.



This emerging middle class is ambitious, educated, and digitally connected. Yet, despite these strengths, many are underprepared for long-term financial security. The reasons are both cultural and economic, many young professionals are supporting parents, siblings, or extended families. Others are navigating high costs of living, student debt, and an intense pressure

to keep up with lifestyle expectations.



Understandably, retirement planning takes a back seat.



But the cost of delaying even a few years is far higher than most realise. A person who starts saving just N$500 a month from the age of 25 can accumulate more than N$1.5 million by retirement age, assuming a moderate investment return. Wait until 35 to begin, and that total drops to less than half. That difference can mean the gap between retiring comfortably or working far longer than planned. The conversation around retirement for Millennials and Gen Z needs to shift. It’s not about doom or guilt, it’s about freedom. About building a financial future that allows flexibility, travel, health care, and dignity in old age.



Yet too often, this group is excluded from traditional retirement messaging, which can feel outdated or overly complex. At Momentum, we’ve recognised that financial products and advice need to speak the language of today’s professionals. We’re simplifying the way retirement options are explained. We’re making it easier to start small and grow over time.

And we’re helping employers integrate financial wellness into the employee experience so that retirement becomes a visible, tangible goal, not an abstract concept.



The good news is that it’s never “too late”, or “too early” to begin. Whether you’re a 24-year-old intern or a 33-year-old entrepreneur, your future is being shaped today. Small, consistent steps are far more powerful than grand plans delayed indefinitely. My message to Namibia’s young professionals is simple: you don’t have to choose between living well now and living well later. With the right guidance and tools, you can do both.



Start now. Your future self will thank you.



*Ettiene Steenkamp is Momentum Namibia's sales manager.**