A six-month national programme aimed at improving access to finance for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Namibia’s 14 regions concluded with a high-level dialogue held in the capital this week.
The initiative reached more than 300 MSMEs across all 14 regions and trained over 40 financial service providers, including banks, regulators, microlenders, development financiers, and fintech companies, on how to create financial products that meet the real needs of local entrepreneurs.
The programme was implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit Namibia (GIZ) under the Promotion of Business Advisory and Transformational Services II (ProBATS) initiative, in partnership with CEFE International and the local implementation partner, Namibia Investment and Finance Academy (NIFA).
Together, they worked to improve financial literacy, strengthen business skills and support financial institutions in developing more inclusive and market-ready solutions.
The High-Level Dialogue brought together key players from the financial sector to reflect on the programme’s findings and discuss ways to continue improving financial access for MSMEs.
Executive director of the Ministry of Finance Michael Humavindu praised the programme for its reach and impact. “This initiative has brought valuable insights into the realities facing MSMEs across the country. NIFA Academy’s energy and execution brought this vision to life in all 14 regions,” he said.
According to him, the programme aligns closely with national goals under NDP6, which calls for expanding access to resources for underserved groups, strengthening the financial system and integrating youth and informal businesses into the country’s economic growth.
He noted that government-backed tools such as the National Youth Development Fund, the Credit Guarantee Scheme and the National Venture Capital Fund reflect Namibia’s efforts to break down longstanding barriers to finance. However, he warned that government frameworks alone are not enough.
“We need implementers, financiers and thought partners to translate strategy into real impact. He called on stakeholders to evaluate whether current financial products truly serve MSMEs, whether innovation is being rewarded and whether the country is moving towards a financial system that supports all Namibians,” Humavindu said.
Humavindu thanked Nedbank, GIZ Namibia, CEFE International, NIFA Academy, and the network of mentors for their contributions.
“May today’s dialogue unlocks new pathways to collaboration,” he said.
The chief executive officer of NIFA, Arinze Okafor, said the programme did not just train MSMEs or financial service providers in isolation, it built a bridge.
“We addressed both sides of the financial equation, giving MSMEs a voice and equipping FSPs with the tools to listen, innovate, and rebuild trust,” he said.
-pmukokobi@nepc.com.na