Dalene Kooper OUTJO – In the small town of Outjo in the Kunene region, where opportunities are scarce and unemployment looms, one young musician is determined to make a difference. Oley Bakan, a talented musician and videographer, has taken it upon himself to guide and inspire local youth through the power of music. Since 2016, he has mentored young music...
Elias: Mistakes are part of life
Youth from across northern Namibia were left inspired and spirited when award-winning philanthropist and youth icon Mavis Elias presented a touching keynote address at the Elite Tutorial College award event. The event was held at both the Omafo and Ondangwa campuses last week. Speaking to almost 100 high-achieving learners, Elias did not just deliver a speech – she interacted. Her...
Erongo career roadshow opens doors for learners
WALVIS BAY – More than 3 400 learners from across the Erongo region benefitted from the annual Erongo Career Fair Roadshow that took place last week in Walvis Bay, Swakopmund, Karibib and Omaruru. Grade 11 learner Ellis Maasdorp from Walvis Bay, who attended the roadshow, said it was indeed an eye opener in terms of university life and expectations. “I...
Nedbank champions business growth
Nedbank has announced its role in empowering Namibian owned-managed businesses through the inaugural Nedbank Future of Business Conference, set for 21 August 2025, at Droombos. The conference aims to address critical areas for business growth, including leadership, communication, human resources and IT. Nedbank stated the conference is tailored for forward-thinking SMEs, emerging startups, and established owner-managed businesses, to provide attendees...
Environmental fund secures access to global climate finance
The Environmental Investment Fund (EIF) of Namibia has been accredited as a National Implementing Entity (NIE) of the Adaptation Fund. According to the statement issued by CEO Benedict Libanda, the accreditation, confirmed during the intersessional period between the Adaptation Fund Board’s forty-fourth and forty-fifth meetings through Decision B.44-45/10, positions the EIF to access and manage up to US$20 million, approximately...
SMEs’ spotlight with Pricilla Mukokobi – Young nail technician turns passion into thriving business
Born in Otjiwarongo and raised in Windhoek, Jenita Amupolo (19) is not your typical teenager. While many her age are still figuring out what they want to do, she is already running her own growing nail business, Nails By Dulla. She is doing it with pride, purpose and polish. Amupolo was raised in a family where strength and self-reliance were...
SMEs’ spotlight with Pricilla Mukokobi – Shivute transforms dirty sneakers into spotless kicks
At just 26 years old, Ilona Shivute is breathing new life into dirty tekkies. She is not only pursuing a healthcare career but also walking confidently in the shoes of a determined entrepreneur. In a world where many young people struggle to find stability, she is building hers one pair of clean shoes at a time. Shivute, a pharmacist intern...
Continental women’s network aims to boost trade
A game-changing initiative in African trade was officially unveiled at the inaugural Global SME Ministerial Meeting held in Johannesburg last week. The Continental Network for Women’s Business Associations in Africa, (CONWOBAA) aimed at promoting intra-African trade, brought together over 100 women’s business associations from West Africa, North Africa, Indian Ocean, Central Africa, East Africa, and Southern Africa. The initiative is...
Financial strategy a development gateway
The Bank of Namibia, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and the Namibia Financial Institutions Supervisory Authority (Namfisa), recently launched the Namibia Financial Sector Transformation Strategy (NFSTS) 2025–2035. The national strategy sets the course for a modern, inclusive, and future-ready financial system that serves the development needs of all Namibians. The strategy represents a deliberate response to deep-rooted and...
Genocide haunts Shark Island
Ovaherero and Nama descendants of victims of the 1904/08 genocide have welcomed the ceasing of all tourism activities at Shark Island. This development, they say, will make way for the conversion of the historic enclave into a fully-fledged heritage site under the National Heritage Council. Shark Island, one of Namibia’s most popular and attractive tourist destinations, is the same island...