Otjokavare – The inviting aroma of freshly-baked bread hovers over the bakery.

Situated some 150km south of Kunene’s regional capital Opuwo is Otjokavare, a growing village where a baking business is thriving. This is thanks to two women who have been perfecting their craft for almost two decades.

Those who frequent the bakery have described their bread as “the best bread in the country”.  Mekaamaije Tjindjou and Diana Muruko, founders of Okandese Trading CC, are reaping the rewards of their dedication. 

Its success is a testament that determination, resilience and hard work pay off.

It is a dream turning into reality.

The bread is served with deliciously- cooked tender goat meat and ice-cold Oros, or any other soft drink.

The bakery doubles as a restaurant – just off the Omakange-Kamanjab road.

Specialising in traditional Herero bread, their business has flourished, and is a success story among small and medium enterprises.

Humble beginnings

“We started with just eight loaves a day,” recalls Tjindjou.

“We used to bake over an open fire because we didn’t have a bakery. It was difficult, but we couldn’t give up,” she reminisced.

Driven by the need to overcome poverty and unemployment, they began their journey in 2006.  Their perseverance paid off in 2016 when they received funding through the trade ministry’s equipment aid programme.

“The business has grown and attracted customers from all corners of the country,” she beamed. 

Some buy for resale, while others for personal consumption.

With new equipment donated by the ministry, they now bake 160 loaves on Sundays, and 80 on weekdays. 

The business has also created jobs for four other women in the community.

“We now bake according to customer orders.

We’re happy, but we face challenges like not having a generator. When the power goes out, the bread spoils,” she stated.

The women are appealing for good Samaritans to donate a generator to help their business.

Their story is an inspiration to others.

“Dependency is not an option,” asserted Muruko. “It’s better to start small and seek help once you’re working, rather than waiting for help,” she added.

The Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade’s spokesperson Elijah Mukubonda highlighted the positive impact of the Equipment Aid Scheme (EAS) on micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the Kunene region.

Over 87 businesses have benefitted from the programme, leading to increased production, employment and revenue.

“We are proud of the progress made by these MSMEs. The programme has not only helped them grow, but also contributed to job-creation and poverty alleviation,” he stated.

Although the ministry does not allocate funds to specific regions, the number of approved applications determines the amount allocated to each area.

“We assess the needs of MSMEs across the country, and allocate resources accordingly,” he remarked.

Despite their success, many beneficiaries face challenges such as tight competition, slow-moving customers, inadequate infrastructure, power supply disruptions, supply chain constraints, lack of finances, and equipment maintenance issues.

“The ministry is committed to addressing these issues, and creating a more conducive business environment,” Mukubonda added.

Several MSMEs in the Kunene region have successfully graduated from the EAS programme, becoming larger businesses with increased production, employment and revenue.

“These success stories serve as inspiring examples for other entrepreneurs,” he noted.

Recognising the crucial role of MSMEs in Namibia’s socio-economic development, the ministry remains committed to fostering a conducive business environment through various programmes such as the SDG Impact Facility, Sites and Premises Programme, and the Industrial Upgrading Modernisation Programme.

The ministry is also enhancing its efforts to raise awareness about its business support programmes in remote areas through regional stakeholders’ involvement and local language radio announcements.

As the ministry reviews its national MSME policy, it aims to ensure that its interventions and programmes align with the current needs of MSMEs, especially in the Kunene region. 

By providing targeted support, the ministry continues to foster the growth and development of these businesses.

-ljason@nepc.com.na