When Costance Likando speaks about food, she talks about life, survival, and hope. Behind every plate she prepares is a story of resilience that began in the heart of the Zambezi region and continued to grow far beyond Namibia’s borders.

Likando is the founder of ‘The Japo’s Taste,’ operating under Chibbe Investment CC. Based in Windhoek, her business focuses on agro-processing, catering, and culinary training, with a mission to showcase authentic Namibian food to the world.

Her journey into business did not begin with capital, connections, or comfort. It began with responsibility. Becoming a single mother of two children at a young age changed everything. With no financial or structural support from family or government, she made a promise to herself that her children would not struggle.

“I am both the mother and the father. Today, my son is in Grade 12 and my daughter in Grade 10, and every long day and sleepless night is driven by the goal of preparing them for university and a stable future,” she said. 

To the world

‘The Japo’s Taste’ started small, funded by personal savings and determination. What began as a catering business slowly grew into something bigger. Over time, she expanded into agro-processing, culinary education, community outreach, and international culinary showcases.

Her hard work opened doors that many would only dream off. She has represented Namibian cuisine in China, Dubai, and the United States of America, proudly sharing traditional meals and indigenous ingredients. She has also collaborated with international chef Haantinga Kaira, strengthening regional and global culinary connections.

Despite these achievements, the road has not been easy. Limited access to funding, high transport and operating costs, and inconsistent cash flow remain daily challenges. During tough months, Likando relies on careful planning, discipline, and placing smaller, steady orders to keep the business alive.

Employment

The business is the main source of income for Likando. It supports her household, her children’s education, and ongoing reinvestment into growth. Beyond her family, her work also creates income opportunities for helpers, suppliers, and fellow food entrepreneurs, especially women.

“Although I have not received direct financial aid, I acknowledge the role of institutions such as the Namibian Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) and the Ministry of International Relations and Trade, which supported my participation in international showcases,” she said. 

What truly sets her apart is her commitment to community impact. With limited resources, she has personally organised soup donations to orphanages and schools, providing simple meals like soup, rice, and drinks. Looking ahead to 2024 and 2025, she hopes to establish school soup banks through partnerships and innovation, working with the ministry of education and other stakeholders.

“Even if the contribution starts small, every plate of food makes a difference,” she says.

“The cost of building ‘The Japo’s Taste’ has been high. It has cost her time, energy, sleep, and financial comfort. She has faced homelessness, doubt, and the burden of explaining her vision to people who could not yet see it,” she added.

But the journey also gave her skills, confidence, and proof that something meaningful can be built from nothing.

She is clear about who she is doing this for. She is doing it for herself, to break cycles and create independence. She is doing it for home cooks, beginners, and food entrepreneurs who need skills, exposure, and mentorship. Most of all, she is doing it for women with talent but limited access, and for anyone who believes food can change lives.She said failure is not something she fears. 

“If it fails, I learn, I adjust, and I rise again. Failure would be feedback. The real failure would be not trying,” she said.  Her dreams is owning a recognised culinary brand, creating employment and training opportunities, turning passion into sustainable income, being taken seriously as a businesswoman, and leaving behind a legacy, not just survival. -pmukokobi@nepc.com.na