Momentum Metropolitan Foundation recently sponsored the African Union’s (AU) Chelete Cage pitch event in Windhoek as part of the AU Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) forum. 

With a contribution of N$300000, the foundation supported the initiative to empower African entrepreneurs through financial and non-financial backing.

The forum brought together over 200 entrepreneurs, investors and policymakers from 54 African countries to foster financial empowerment and innovation. 

Chelete Cage, a highlight of the forum, offered selected entrepreneurs from the information and communication technology as well as creative and culture sectors a platform to pitch for funding, mentorship and strategic partnerships.

Chelete Cage aims to help MSMEs overcome funding challenges by providing financial support and mentorship. 

The event featured 12 entrepreneurs pitching their ideas to a panel of expert judges from various sectors of African entrepreneurship, innovation and technology. 

Judges assessed the pitches based on innovation, market potential, financial viability and societal impact, highlighting the importance of supporting scalable business models with significant growth potential.

Denille Roostee, Momentum Metropolitan’s (MM) group marketing executive, emphasised the foundation’s dedication to youth development and entrepreneurship. 

“MM is committed to empowering young entrepreneurs as key drivers of economic growth across Africa,” she stated. 

“Our young population is Africa’s most critical asset, and it is our responsibility as citizens to enable them to reach their full potential through education, mentorship and investment,” she said. 

She also highlighted the importance of public-private collaboration in driving economic transformation. 

“Strategic partnerships create sustainable ecosystems that nurture talent and unlock youth potential,” she stated. 

“Special thanks to the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) for recognising our youth’s potential, and being the catalyst in driving collaboration towards common goals,” she acknowledged.

She further underscored the unique opportunity Africa has with its young population dividend, noting that when harnessed through entrepreneurship, it could transform economies. 

She closed her remarks with a motivational quote from Sakaria Nghikembua, Group CEO of MM: “Get up and do it,” urging participants to seize every opportunity to turn ideas into impactful businesses, and become catalysts for change for their communities and country.