14 Namibian MSMEs Win N$1.1 Million in Grants

Fourteen regional micro, small, and medium enterprises received a total of N$1.1 million in grant funding at the inaugural SME Fund Chelete Cage Pitch Event in Windhoek this week, marking the conclusion of the program’s first funding cycle. Each of the fourteen beneficiaries represents a different region, ensuring broad geographic coverage across Namibia.

Nearly 900 Applications Submitted Nationwide

The initial call for applications, open from 10 June to 24 July, drew strong interest across the country, with close to 900 submissions received. Agriculture and agro-processing represented the largest share at 22%, followed by information and communications technology and manufacturing, each accounting for 11%. Tourism contributed 10% of applications, while culture and creative industries made up the remaining 5%.

Shortlisted businesses presented their proposals to a panel including representatives from the Environmental Investment Fund, Bank of Namibia, Agribank Namibia, Development Bank of Namibia, and the National Youth Development Fund. Selected recipients will receive grants ranging from N$65,000 to N$100,000.

Programme Designed for Long-Term Growth

The SME Fund operates under the Promotion of Small and Medium Enterprises Development in Namibia (ProSME) Project, a collaboration between the National Planning Commission, NIPDB, and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, supported by funding from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The Fund combines grant financing with enterprise development and technical support for promising MSMEs that are not yet ready to access traditional finance, with priority given to youth and women-owned businesses, social enterprises, cooperatives, and export-ready ventures.

Julia Muetudhana, Acting Chief Executive at NIPDB, emphasized that success would be measured beyond the event itself. “Impact is measured by what happens after today. It is the turnover that grows in the next twelve months. It is the first employee hired, and then the fifth. It is the product that moves from a market stall onto a retailer’s shelf, and from a retailer’s shelf into a regional or international market,” she said.

She added that the goal includes supporting rural entrepreneurs who no longer have to choose between staying home and building a business. Thomas Wimmer, Ambassador of Germany to Namibia, noted that successful MSMEs create jobs, support families, introduce new ideas, and help communities grow. “We also know that starting and growing a business is not always easy. Our entrepreneurs need access to finance, business skills, markets, and the right networks to succeed. That is why partnerships matter. Germany is committed to working with Namibia to support sustainable economic development, to strengthen entrepreneurship, and create opportunities for young people,” he said.

Recipients Plan Strategic Investments

Among the beneficiaries is Kahete Keeja, owner of Okarui City Fresh Produce in the Omaheke region. She described the opportunity as a chance to step into unfamiliar territory while advancing her business. “This opportunity has given me a chance to put myself out there and step into uncomfortable spaces as I continue to put myself and my business out there,” she said.

Keeja, who launched her venture four years ago, plans to expand storage capacity to improve her ability to supply fresh produce. Another recipient, Elina Nakanyala of Kauna Might Empowerment Investments CC in Hardap, focuses on strawberry production. Her company intends to install environmentally controlled greenhouses to enable year-round cultivation.

Further Support to Follow Grant Disbursement

In addition to financial assistance, the 14 recipients will receive enterprise development services including digital skills training, market linkages, regulatory and compliance guidance, investment readiness support, export promotion, and trade facilitation. These resources aim to help businesses increase turnover, adopt sustainable practices, and enhance competitiveness.

Preparations for upcoming funding cycles are already under way. Interested MSMEs and members of the public can visit the newly launched SME Fund website at smefund.na and follow NIPDB’s social media channels for updates.