Fourteen MSMEs from All Regions Awarded SME Fund Grants at Chelete Cage

Fourteen Namibian micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) representing all 14 regions in Namibia, were awarded grants ranging from N$65,000 to N$100,000 at the inaugural SME Fund Chelete Cage Pitch Event on 27 October 2026 in Windhoek.

Selected from close to 900 applications received during the SME Fund’s first call, the entrepreneurs presented their businesses, growth plans and funding needs across three pitching sessions. The event marked the final stage of the SME Fund’s first funding cycle and the beginning of a programme of financial and enterprise development support for its first cohort.

The SME Fund is an initiative under the Promotion of Small and Medium Enterprises Development in Namibia (ProSME) Project. The project is a partnership between the National Planning Commission (NPC), which provides national development oversight and strategic guidance; Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, which provides technical expertise and support in line with international best practices; and the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), which serves as the implementing partner. As part of its role, NIPDB is responsible for delivering the SME Fund, to support the growth and development of Namibian micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs)

The Project and Fund supports promising Namibian businesses that have the potential to grow but are not yet ready to access traditional finance and combines grants with enterprise development and technical support to help MSMEs overcome growth constraints, strengthen their operations and build the capacity and track record needed to access larger sources of capital.

Speaking at the event, NIPDB Acting Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Julia Muetudhana, said the response to the first call illustrated the demand for accessible business support across Namibia. “Every one of those nearly 900 applications represents a person with an idea, a family that depends on a business, and a community that stands to benefit if that business grows,” she said. Muetudhana further emphasised that the Fund forms part of the NIPDB’s mandate to develop Namibian MSMEs and promote exports, recognising the contribution of a competitive MSME sector to a diversified and inclusive economy.

Mr. Ned Sibeya, Deputy Chief National Development Advice & Director: Development Partners Coordination at the NPC, highlighted the contribution of entrepreneurship to the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6). “Achieving our NDP6 ambitions will require many successful entrepreneurs, not just a few. We need businesses that create jobs, develop new products, explore new markets, and help build a more diversified and resilient economy,” he said.

His Excellency Thomas Wimmer, German Ambassador to the Republic of Namibia, reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurship and sustainable economic development. “Through our cooperation with NIPDB and other institutions, we want to contribute to an environment where entrepreneurs can turn their ideas into thriving enterprises,” he said.

For Ms. Kahete Keeja, owner of Okarui City Fresh Produce CC, participating in the event was an opportunity to step outside her comfort zone and share her business ambitions. Okarui City Fresh Produce Trading CC, operating in the Omaheke Region, was awarded N$100,000 at the event. 

Speaking after her pitch, she said she was honoured to participate. “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 explained that, four years after starting her business, she has been unable to expand it to its full potential. She plans to use the grant to invest in storage capacity, increasing her ability to supply fresh produce.

First cohort of grant recipients

The following businesses received grants after presenting to a judging panel comprising representatives from the Environmental Investment Fund, Bank of Namibia, Agribank Namibia, Development Bank of Namibia and National Youth Development Fund.

Business	Region	Grant awarded
Zee Media Group CC	Zambezi	N$100,000
Kauna Mighty Empowerment Investment CC	Hardap	N$100,000
Rendez-Vous Investment CC	Omusati	N$100,000
Okarui City Fresh Produce Trading CC	Omaheke	N$100,000
Tavinda Investment CC	Erongo	N$75,000
Elephant Rest Tented Camp	Kunene	N$75,000
Oelewe Investments CC	Otjozondjupa	N$75,000
Riverdale Private Academy	Kavango East	N$75,000
Kalinasho Trading Enterprises CC	Oshana	N$75,000
Santo-Lite Investment CC	ǁKharas	N$65,000
Cooccur Trading CC	Kavango West	N$65,000
Felistas & Sons Investments CC	Oshikoto	N$65,000
Mwayola’s Vision Investment CC	Ohangwena	N$65,000
Ultra Events CC	Khomas	N$65,000

The cohort represents sectors including agriculture and agro-processing, manufacturing, the blue and circular economies, tourism, education, health and wellness, and the creative industries. Following the event, the businesses will receive enterprise development support aimed at increasing turnover, strengthening sustainable business practices, improving competitiveness and facilitating further access to finance.

Preparing for future funding opportunities

SME Fund Project Lead, Mr. Michael Field, said approximately EUR 430,000 is available across seven funding calls, with individual grants generally ranging from N$50,000 to N$100,000. During the first call, 44% of applications came from women-led enterprises and 49% from youth-led enterprises.

The event also featured the launch of the SME Fund website by Ms. Mehafo Amunyela, Communications & Strategic Engagement Officer. The website provides application information, guidance to help entrepreneurs strengthen their submissions and a self-eligibility tool to assist prospective applicants before they apply.

Further funding calls are being prepared. Entrepreneurs are encouraged to visit smefund.na  and follow the NIPDB’s social media platforms for updates on upcoming opportunities.