IN line with the vision for impactful change and a globally competitive Namibia, First National Bank Namibia has entered a partnership with Basecamp Namibia to invest in beneficial change for the country’s SME segment.

“Our aim is to enable SMEs with opportunities for growth and skill development, in turn providing a positive change and promoting long-term sustainable value to society,” said Tomas Iindji, Head of Business Banking at FNB.

In order to create sustainable growth, long-term impact and support for SMEs in the Namibian economy, FNB Commercial pledged N$900 000 towards the Basecamp Business Incubator, Iindji said.

Along with this, the FirstRand Namibia Board assigned an overall budget of N$5 million for specifically identified initiatives within the SME/Growth Segment. 

The Basecamp Business Incubator Hub is a social enterprise, operating as a non-profit company. It was established as an incubation and innovation hub which contributes to building a thriving Namibian and African start-up ecosystem where new, innovative ideas ]\flourish and grow into sustainable businesses. 

Their vision is to transform Namibian start-ups into future-ready leaders in innovation, economic growth, and entrepreneurial excellence.

Some of the programmes SMEs can look forward to with the Basecamp initiative include, two ideation events, two incubation programmes, one trade focused pre-acceleration
programme and one export focussed acceleration programme. 

The Basecamp Cook Programme kicked off yesterday and comprises eight sessions, with one weekly session to run for two months. FNB Namibia has selected 28 SMEs to participate in this tailored incubator programme. 

“FNB remains committed towards growing the economy through supporting SMEs and entrepreneurs. With this partnership, along with our best-in-class services and products available to the SME market, we look forward to creating shared value within society, as well as a platform of hope for people and SMEs to fulfil their dreams,” read a statement from the bank.