Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) form the lifeline of any thriving economy. Their potential to create employment opportunities and their inherent dynamism make them the backbone of our economic structure. However, in order to thrive and grow, these enterprises often need the right kind of support and mentorship. It is against this backdrop that the NIPDB was created and mandated, in part, to coordinate MSME activities across all levers of the economy through targeted initiatives designed to bolster these businesses.
The NIPDB is, therefore, pleased to announce an exciting opportunity for MSMEs nationwide. In a continuous endeavour to support and promote the next generation of Namibian entrepreneurs, the NIPDB is inviting MSMEs to express their interest in participating in the second annual Know2Grow (K2G) NextGen Entrepreneurs Showcase.
The Know2Grow NextGen Entrepreneurs Showcase is a platform designed to serve as a catalyst for growth and innovation, offering MSMEs a robust platform to assist MSMEs with access to customers and skills enhancement. The Showcase will see these enterprises engaging Namibian business support organisations, exhibiting their unique products and services and forming valuable networks with their professional counterparts. The event, scheduled to take place from 1 to 4 November 2023 in the picturesque coastal city of Swakopmund, will take place under the theme, “Sustaining Communities, Unlocking Opportunities, and Promoting Inclusivity”.
This year, the initiative received a substantial financial contribution from Coca-Cola Beverage Africa (CCBA) Namibia, with a sponsorship amounting to N$550,000, thus securing themselves as the anchor sponsor. CCBA Namibia’s robust commitment to the growth of Namibia's MSMEs, particularly the youth and women, is reflected in their sponsorship amount of N$550,000. CCBA Namibia is actively working to unlock economic potential by creating employment and sustainable business opportunities, with a specific focus on women. Recognising the interconnectedness between business success and thriving communities, they have made economic inclusion a core pillar of its Sustainability strategy. Through this sponsorship, CCBA seeks to drive positive social impact while addressing key business challenges for sustainable growth.
K2G NextGen Entrepreneurs seeks to highlight and capacitate scalable businesses from diverse sectors. For Swakopmund, the event endeavours to bring a surge of tourism and amplify MSME activities in the local economy. This year, MSMEs specialising in textile manufacturing, agriculture, horticulture and food processing, aquaculture, electronics, information, communication and technology, renewable energy and green hydrogen and pharmaceuticals are particularly encouraged to apply.
MSMEs are encouraged to register for participation in order to seize this chance to elevate their businesses by gaining access to markets through social capital, benefiting from increased visibility, expanded networks and potential business opportunities. To ensure fair participation, MSMEs interested in this opportunity must satisfy the following criteria:
- Be a registered business.
- Majority youth-owned.
- Majority Namibian-owned and operating within the territory of Namibia.
- Have a business registration duration of at least six months.
- Be a micro, small or medium enterprise.
- Offer quality and reputable products or services to showcase.
To register, visit the link: bit.ly/3K1OEIw
For enquiries, contact Gerold Dreyer at:
Telephone: +26483 333 8616
Mobile: +264 81 125 5427
Email: cbma@nipdb.com
The application deadline is 31 July 2023 at 17h00.
About the 2022 Know2Grow NextGen Entrepreneurs Showcase
The previous edition of Know2Grow NextGen Entrepreneurs event took place in Tsumeb from 16 to 18 November 2022 where 58 MSMEs showcased their products and services in person and several others participated virtually. The event proved to be a vibrant hub of entrepreneurship. Notably, the event featured MSME Awards, with a cash prize sponsored by ABinBev and training and mentorship from the World Bank, recognising the outstanding contributions of three remarkable MSMEs. Additionally, two MSMEs also received shelf space in the Tsumeb mall. Among the participating organisations were the European Union Commission, Shoprite Group, World Bank, Made in Namibia Collections Walvis Bay Corridor Group, Namibia Trade Forum, GS1, Trade Forward Southern Africa, Standard Bank Namibia, Dundee Precious Metals, Eris Property Group, Namibian Standards Institution, Barloworld Group, Arts Performance Centre.
Should you have any questions about the above, please do not hesitate to contact:
Issued by :
Catherine Shipushu
Senior Manager: Marketing, Branding and Communications Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board
Telephone: +264 83 333 8636
Mobile: +264 81 127 9069
Email: catherine.shipushu@nipdb.com
