Petty’s Cuisine, a seafood restaurant in northern Namibia, is helping fight unemployment and bring hope to a local community, after its founder turned a personal setback into an opportunity.
Petty’s Cuisine, founded by Petrina Ngalagombe, opened in 2023 and currently employs four people from the surrounding area. The restaurant, which specialises in seafood dishes, was born out of the founder’s love for cooking and her need to rebuild after losing her job during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I started small, just cooking from home and selling two or three plates a day. I never imagined it would grow into a full business,” she said.
Ngalagombe, holds a qualification in Human Resources from the International College of Lingua. Her passion for food began at home, where she was known for baking cakes for family birthdays and preparing meals for loved ones. Her interest in seafood shaped the early menu of the restaurant.
A major break came when a friend introduced her work to a local organisation, leading to a catering contract for a two-day event. The exposure helped grow her customer base and gave her confidence to expand the business.
Petty’s Cuisine now operates as a formal business and has become a source of income for Ngalagombe, her staff remove, and her extended family.
She also uses part of the proceeds to care for her aunt, who lives with schizophrenia and needs daily assistance. “This business is not only feeding people, but it’s supporting lives,” she said.
Like many small businesses, Petty’s Cuisine faces challenges with cash flow, especially during slow periods. Monthly expenses such as rent, stock, and salaries remain fixed, regardless of income. Ngalagombe said she manages by saving during busy months and limiting non-essential spending.
To date, the business has received no government support and has been entirely self-funded. Ngalagombe said this has made her more resourceful and disciplined.
Despite the difficulties, she remains focused on long-term growth and hopes to continue expanding her menu and improving customer service.
“This is just the beginning,” she said.
Having begun to expand the business, she has been participating in various expos, which have greatly helped us increase our visibility and establish our presence in the market.
Most notably, we were honoured to receive the Best Exhibitor SME Food and Beverages Award at the 2025 Ondangwa Trade and Industrial Exhibition, an achievement that truly means the world to us and stands as a testament to our hard work, growth, and dedication.
-pmukokobi@nepc.com.na