In Focus: Some resources for women entrepreneurs
#FemaleSMELeaders #NamibiaBusinessBoom #WomenDriveEconomies #BraveEntrepreneurs #EmpowerHer #NamibiaEntrepreneurs #RiseOfHer #SheMeansBusiness #AfricaEntrepreneurs #ShePowersGrowth
Namibia is often celebrated as “The Land of the Brave,” which reflects its people’s resilience. Here they are witnessing a remarkable rise in women-led entrepreneurship – an evolution powered by resilience, ambition & a growing ecosystem of support. Women entrepreneurs across the country represent a wonderfully diverse spectrum: from young, university-educated professionals building scalable ventures, to women from informal settlements turning necessity into innovative micro-businesses. What unites them is a shared determination to create opportunity, uplift communities & shape a more inclusive economy.
Brave Minds, Bold Businesses: Namibia’s Women Entrepreneurs Rise Strong
In recent years, Namibia has seen an inspiring shift. As of July 2025, over 70% of the nation’s SMEs are led by women, according to First National Bank (FNB) Namibia – an unprecedented milestone that signals growing confidence, capability & visibility for women in business. Yet the road is far from easy. Many still struggle with limited access to finance, skill gaps, socio-cultural barriers & discrimination. Despite this, their outlook remains overwhelmingly positive. Their entrepreneurial journeys are driven not only by necessity (often a survival strategy in low-income settings), but increasingly by opportunity, ambition & the desire to break long-standing workplace ceilings.
A key trend shaping Namibia’s entrepreneurial landscape is the emergence of educated, self-driven women who pursue business as a preferred career path. At the same time, women with minimal formal schooling continue to thrive through community-based training, grassroots networks & sheer ingenuity.
Today, as entrepreneurship transforms from taboo to national priority, Namibia is investing in targeted programmes, financial tools & capacity-building initiatives designed to equip women with the resources they need to succeed. Together, these efforts are crafting a future where women are not just participating in the economy – they are leading it.
Here’s focusing on some resources like policies, initiatives and funds that are available for women entrepreneurs in Zamibia.
- The National Policy on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in Namibia
Today, the Government of the Republic of Namibia acknowledges the vital role that micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) play in income-generation and employment-creation activities nationally. Therefore, the Ministry of Industrialisation, Trade and SME Development has been mandated – to ensure the development and growth of MSMEs in Namibia – in order to facilitate and enhance the process of industrialisation in the country.
And, industrialisation cannot be achieved without the contribution of vibrant MSMEs, as they play a key role in bringing innovative products and/or services into the market. An enabling business environment is crucial to generating and supporting private entrepreneurship initiatives. Thus suitable Government policies, and the development of appropriate support services, are priorities for developing advanced and innovative MSMEs that can be an integral part of the mainstream economy and contribute to employment creation and poverty reduction.
The current Policy and Programme on Small Business Development was drafted in 1997. The 1997 policy was replaced by the new Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Policy of 2016.
The Namibian Government is strongly committed to fostering economic growth and development in order to overcome poverty and unemployment nationally. Their ‘Vision 2030’ describes “A prosperous and industrialised Namibia developed by her human resources, and enjoying peace, harmony and political stability”. Vision 2030 puts emphasis “…on the welfare of the people, aiming at human development, equitable and balanced growth, resulting in a growing industrial sector, a modernized agriculture sector, and an enabling macro-economic and political environment”.
The Ministry of Industrialisation, Trade and SME Development also recognized the need for a review of the current Policy and Programme on Small Business Development to take these structural changes and needs into account. This new National Policy on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in Namibia is therefore aligned to the national objectives as expressed in Vision 2030 and the National Development Plans, as well as to other national policies and strategies – such as Namibia’s Industrial Policy (2012) and its recently adopted implementation framework and strategy (‘Growth at Home’) and the Namibia Financial Sector Strategy: 2011 – 2021.
Thriving MSMEs that ensure effective utilization of available resources and that contribute significantly to the economic development of Namibia through sustained job creation and economic growth.
The mission of the MSME Policy is – to devise programmes and interventions aimed at developing MSMEs across key economic sectors and creating synergies with public, private and related civic stakeholders in Namibia. The goal of the MSME Policy is – to create an enabling business environment for Namibian MSMEs, thus fostering sustainable employment creation and income generation through training; improved access to finance, technology and markets; enhanced capacity to innovate; and improved entrepreneurial skills. The MSME Policy thus aims to provide the requisite policy and implementation frameworks to ensure the development of competitive, dynamic and innovative Namibian MSMEs.
The National Policy on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in Namibia (2016-2021) has quite likely been superseded or updated, as it was set to expire in 2021, and recent activity suggests ongoing support for MSMEs rather than reliance on this specific outdated policy.
Recent government efforts demonstrate continued focus on the MSME sector, indicating ongoing policy development programs and policies, such as those aimed at improving access to finance and market promotion.
https://mit.gov.na/documents/41692/88507/MSME+policy+final.pdf
- Vision 2030
The Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6) covering the period 2025/2026 to 2029/2030 is the last in the series that strive to attain the aspirations of ‘Vision 2030’.
It is therefore realistic, but ambitious. It represents a deliberate attempt to leapfrog the national development agenda to close the gap between Vision 2030 aspirations and actual development realized through the implementation of successive short and medium-term development plans, policies & programmes.
What are the goals of Vision 2030 in Namibia?
The Vision will transform Namibia into a healthy and food-secure nation, in which all preventable, infectious and parasitic diseases (including HIV/AIDS) are under secure control; people enjoy high standards of living, a good quality life and have access to quality education, health and other vital services.
The key elements for the VISION for 2030 will depict the people of Namibia as well developed, prosperous, healthy and confident in an atmosphere of interpersonal harmony, peace and political stability; and as such, Namibia is a developed country to be reckoned with as a high achiever in the comity of nations.
In essence, it is the collective wish of the Namibian people, and the Vision for 2030 and beyond, that Namibia enjoys: Prosperity, Interpersonal Harmony, Peace, and Political Stability.
https://www.npc.gov.na/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/vision_2030.pdf
- EntreprenHER Programme (formerly AWOME)
The EntreprenHER programme, formerly known as AWOME (Accelerating Women Owned Micro-Enterprises), is a training and mentorship initiative for women entrepreneurs in Botswana, Namibia & South Africa. Supported by partners like UN Women and the De Beers Group, it provides business and leadership skills training with the goal of formalizing micro-enterprises and creating jobs. The programme uses the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) “Start and Improve Your Business” (SIYB) and “Generate Your Business” (GYB) models to equip women with skills like recordkeeping, marketing, and management.
Launched in 2017, the AWOME programme in Southern Africa has equipped more than 2,400 women who own micro-enterprises in Botswana, South Africa, and Namibia with the skills they needed to improve their businesses.
The programme, that was renamed EntreprenHER at the official launch of Phase III on 2 February 2024 in Botswana, engaged trainers in Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa – to lead workshops on small business management, particularly targeted at women in rural communities. The sessions focused to topics such as – recordkeeping, marketing, pricing, stock control, and management, in coordination with the International Labour Organization’s Start and Improve Your Business training package.
EntreprenHER is built on the principle of “Leaving No One Behind”, by intentionally focusing on micro-enterprises owned by women entrepreneurs to ensure they create sustainable livelihoods for themselves and their communities.
- DBN to launch AfDB, We-Fi backed support programme for women-led SMEs
The Development Bank of Namibia is launching a Women-Owned and Women-Led SMEs Market Programme to enhance financial access for women entrepreneurs, funded by the We-Fi Trust Fund with support from AfDB. A consulting firm will assess and improve DBN’s services for women-led businesses, focusing on sectors like renewable energy and agriculture. The initiative runs from January 2026 to January 2027, aiming for better financing and empowerment for women in business.
The initiative is supported by a grant from the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (We-Fi) Trust Fund, with the African Development Bank (AfDB) as the implementing partner.
According to the bank, the programme’s primary objectives are – to “improve access to finance for Women owned/led SMEs in Namibia’s renewable energy, agriculture, manufacturing, and social welfare sectors” and “advance economic resilience and improve quality of life of women.”
The assignment is scheduled to run from January 2026 to January 2027.
Key areas of research under the programme include – “green industrialization, green hydrogen, marine engineering and water efficiency,” alongside a gender mapping exercise to identify value chains where women can expand their participation or establish new businesses.
The bank noted that financing women-owned enterprises aligns with its Sustainable Finance Framework, which prioritises inclusion and the empowerment of disadvantaged groups.
The selection will be conducted under AfDB procurement rules in line with the grant agreement.
- Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (We-FI) Trust Fund
The Development Bank of Namibia received a grant from the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (We-FI) Trust Fund, which the African Development Bank acts as an Implementing Partner of the grant funds – to finance the Supporting Women Economic Empowerment in Namibia Project.
The principal objectives of this project are to:
(i) improve access to finance for Women owned/led SMEs in Namibia’s renewable energy, agriculture, manufacturing, and social welfare sectors; and
(ii) advance economic resilience and improve quality of life of women
- Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) programme
In January 2025, the US Embassy Namibia invited organizations to apply to run the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) programme – to help women entrepreneurs in Namibia grow their businesses, overcome challenges, and create a network of women-led businesses. It will include both in-person and online sessions with women entrepreneurs from Namibia and the US, as well as experts.
The goals of the programme are to improve business planning, help participants build a network, and provide the skills needed to create successful businesses. The budget should cover travel, data for online sessions, and any additional activities.
This programme aims to support women entrepreneurs, promote business growth, and help women in Namibia become more economically empowered.
https://simpler.grants.gov/opportunity/41184869-3e66-4fba-afce-a0cbc5b7ea2a
https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/350832
- Seedstars Programmes
The objective of the project is to address gender inequality and inclusive economic empowerment for African women. Specifically, the project aims at increasing the capacity and sustainability of enablers supporting Women-led Small and Medium Enterprises (WSMEs), as well as increase access to mentorship, funding and visibility for WSMEs.
They are looking for WSMEs and Enablers that are operating in at least one of the following countries: Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Kenya, Malawi, Morocco, Mozambique, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Rwanda, Zambia, Ivory Coast, Ethiopia, Angola, Mali, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Botswana, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Gambia, Namibia, Cape Verde, Mauritius and Nigeria.
https://www.seedstars.com/community/entrepreneurs/programs/EWEA
- Agri-Women Scheme
Agribank welcomes you to our Agri-Women Scheme, an affordable financing facility with relaxed terms and conditions designed to promote women’s inclusion in agriculture.
What makes this offering different? The Agri-Women Scheme strategically focuses on empowering women in agriculture – by addressing systemic barriers such as limited access to land, credit, and training, while promoting gender equality and sustainable farming practices. This scheme provides relaxed funding conditions, including off-take agreements, flexible grace periods, low interest rates, and tolerance for collateral shortfalls.
Who qualifies? Women over the age of 35 years; Women married in community of property are not eligible; For legal entities, at least 50% of the ownership should consist of women; New and existing businesses are eligible subject to financial viability and development impact and Projects that strive towards climate adaptation and resilience are encouraged.
Which industries can optimally benefit from this offer? All agriculture and agriculture-related industries can benefit. Projects that drive climate adaptation, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), and innovation are particularly encouraged.
What is the loan limit? There is no fixed loan limit. The loan amount will be assessed based on affordability and the Bank’s risk appetite.
https://agribank.com.na/page/agri-women-scheme
- AFAWA (Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa)
AFAWA (Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa) is a pan-African initiative to bridge the $42 billion financing gap facing women in Africa.
Why AFAWA? Because women are the backbone of the African economy. The African continent has the highest percentage of women entrepreneurs in the world. According to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) 2016/17 Women’s Report, the female entrepreneurship rate in sub-Saharan Africa is 25.9% of the female adult population, meaning that one in four women starts or manages a business.
- National Innovation Challenge for Women (NICW)
The National Innovation Challenge for Women (NICW) is a programme, often run in partnership with organizations like – the National Commission on Research, Science and Technology (NCRST) in Namibia – to empower women-led businesses through capacity building and business acceleration. It provides training, mentorship, and a chance to access international markets for female innovators.
The objective is – to build capacity and accelerate the growth of businesses run by women.
The Partnerships here, typically involves collaborations between government bodies (like the NCRST), development organizations (such as GIZ) & other partners.
https://www.ncrst.na/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/NCRST-National-Innovation-Challenge-for-Women.pdf
- The Survey Women, Business and the Law 2024 (WBL 2024)
The Survey Women, Business and the Law 2024 (WBL 2024) identifies barriers for women’s economic empowerment in three areas: women’s legal rights, policy instruments designed to support the implementation of these rights, and how these rights are realized in practice.
For that purpose, three new Women, Business and the Law 2.0 indexes are presented for ten indicators:
(1) legal frameworks,
(2) supportive frameworks, and
(3) expert opinions.
For the WBL 2.0 legal frameworks index, 40 questions are scored across the ten indicators for 190 economies.
The WBL 2.0 legal frameworks score for Namibia (67.5 out of 100.0) is higher than the global average (64.2) and higher than the Sub-Saharan Africa regional average (57.4). When it comes to constraints on freedom of movement, constraints related to marriage, laws affecting women’s property and inheritance and laws affecting the size of a woman’s pension, Namibia obtains a perfect score (100.0 out of 100.0).
When it comes to expert opinions on freedom of movement, expert opinions on women’s property and inheritance and expert opinions on women’s pensions, Namibia obtains a perfect score (100.0 out of 100.0).
https://wbl.worldbank.org/content/dam/documents/wbl/2024/pilot/WBL24-2-0-Namibia.pdf
- Build Back Better (BBB) Programme to Empower Women through Urban Agriculture
The Build Back Better (BBB) Programme to Empower Women through Urban Agriculture, focuses on sustainable interventions that support the most vulnerable – including women, youth and people living with disabilities, providing allotments, seedlings, training, and capacity, with the goal of achieving a food-secure future for Namibia.
It is being implemented through urban garden schemes across four regions – Hardap, Khomas, Erongo and Kavango-East, and integrates gender equity and the empowerment of marginalised groups such as women into its implementation framework. In fact, this has already helped absorb part of the shock of the Covid-19 pandemic and achieved a food-secure future for Namibia.
https://www.npc.gov.na/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Namibia-Country-Review-Report-V6.pdf
- Startup Namibia
Sartup Namibia is a thriving startup ecosystem is vital for the growth and expansion of a country’s economy and is a driver of job creation.
They have played a part in laying the foundation of Namibia’s startup ecosystem and are confident that it will continue to grow and become a force to be reckoned with on the African startup scene!
https://www.facebook.com/startup.na
- MSME ecosystem for Youth and Women Entrepreneurs in Namibia
Looking back, Namibia faced deep-rooted systemic challenges, exacerbated by the consequences of COVID-19, that lead to significant socio-economic inequalities. Despite being a resource-rich country, Namibia suffers from high unemployment, particularly among the youth and women. Recognizing the potential of young people and entrepreneurs to drive economic growth, the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) sought technical assistance from the ICR Facility in 2024
With the ICR Facility’s support, NIPDB aims to develop an inclusive MSME ecosystem – by supporting skilled female and young entrepreneurs, creating Namibia as an attractive hub for sustainable investment.
In partnership with NIPDB and a broad coalition of public and private sector stakeholders, the project successfully delivered a practical, inclusive, and results-oriented MSME Development Action Framework.
As this action plan is activated alongside the government’s MSME policy, we can look forward to seeing its tangible impact, particularly for youth and women entrepreneurs, on Namibia’s economic landscape in the near future.
This intervention took place under ICR Facility project, co-funded by the European Union (EU), the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) under the 11th European Development Fund (EDF), together with the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the British Council. The ICR Facility was implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH (German Development Cooperation, GIZ), the British Council, Expertise France, and Stichting Nederlandse Ontwikkelingsorganisatie (Netherlands Development Organization, SNV).
Shree Lahiri
Avtar Madan
Himanshu
