Nehemia Hailume, owner of Wanyela Investment cc, a company specialising in refrigerator and stove repairs, urges Namibians to register their businesses with Bipa, launch their ventures, and employ fellow citizens. 

Hailume established his business in 2022, motivated by a desire to work in the refrigeration and air-conditioning industry. 

His business, recognised in the community for repairing refrigerators and various household electrical devices, received a grant of N$77 197 from Namibia Breweries Limited (NBL). 

Introduced in 2024, NBL’s MSME Development Fund, with a total budget of N$25 million, seeks to support micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to drive growth and enhance Namibia’s economic development. Based in the informal Okahandja Park settlement, Nimt Arandis graduate Hailume noted that referrals largely fuel his customer base, with satisfied clients recommending his services to others.

“A small percentage of clients come from Facebook and WhatsApp, where I distribute my business cards and images of repaired refrigerators,” he said.
He expressed that his main challenge is the lack of equipment and tools; he often turns to other technicians for assistance in completing client requests. “Because I rely on borrowed machinery, I must give 35% of the payment to the person lending me the equipment. This approach limits my business growth,” he shared. 

Hailume elaborated that stove issues usually stem from internal combustion failures, resulting in heat loss from insufficient maintenance. Meanwhile, the predominant problem for refrigerators is compressor failure, which often occurs due to inadequate electricity supply or gas leakage caused by prolonged inactivity or infrequent use. 

Waldemar von Lieres, NBL managing director, emphasised that supporting Namibian MSMEs is not merely a privilege, but a commitment to growth, resilience and impact. 

“Every small business has the potential to shape the economy, create opportunities and drive progress. We are proud to support them in building a stronger Namibia,” Von Lieres stated.

In the first quarter of 2025, seven beneficiaries from the Khomas region received grant funding of N$550 000, and additional beneficiaries will be awarded in the following years. 

It also includes Hansen and Hansen Investment cc, Ink Blink cc, JCD Signs cc, Wanyela Investment cc, Ultra Statix Engineering cc, Exquisite Signs cc and Jet Cooling Investment cc. 

The recipients represent the initial phase of funding focused on the Khomas region.

-psiririka@nepc.com.na