NIPDB Encourages Namibian MSMEs To Submit Applications For The SME Fund For Assistance To Grow Their Businesses

Access to finance remains one of the biggest constraints preventing local businesses from scaling, expanding into new markets and creating jobs. The Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) is therefore encouraging eligible Namibian Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to apply for funding assistance through the SME Fund.

The SME Fund was introduced under the Promotion of Small and Medium Enterprises Development in Namibia (ProSME) Project, a partnership between the National Planning Commission (NPC), NIPDB and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), with funding from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The Fund provides grant funding of between N$50,000 and N$100,000, together with pitch coaching, business advisory services and access to local and international showcasing platforms, to Namibian-registered MSMEs with strong growth, export and investment potential.

Since applications opened on 10 June 2026, close to 200 applications have been received from entrepreneurs across the country, an indication of the demand for funding among businesses looking to grow beyond their current capacity.

The Fund gives priority consideration to youth-owned businesses (18 - 34 years), women-owned businesses, social enterprises and cooperatives, and export-ready businesses operating in sectors such as agriculture and agro-processing, artisanal mining, the blue economy, the circular economy, creative industries, financial services, health and wellness, ICT, manufacturing, and tourism and hospitality.

Through engagements with the business community, we have noted that there is a growing number of viable businesses in the country, but many lack the capital to scale production, enter new markets or invest in the systems needed to compete both locally and internationally. The SME Fund is designed to close that gap. It provides more than just grant capital. It is also about equipping business owners with the coaching, market access and partnerships they need to compete and grow sustainably.

The NIPDB therefore encourages all eligible businesses, including women and youth-owned enterprises, to take advantage of this opportunity and apply before applications close on 24 July 2026.

Interested businesses must be Namibian-registered, with at least 51% Namibian ownership and control, registered on the NIPDB MSME database, compliant with BIPA, NAMRA and SSC, and able to submit a Business Profile (maximum 5 pages) and Pitch Deck (maximum 12 slides).

Interested MSMEs can apply and access full eligibility requirements and application guidelines at smefund.nipdb.com. More information can be obtained by emailing info@smefund.na