Nedbank Namibia, together with OMDis and Uconomy Namibia have completed the Small to Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and Economic Development Pilot Project that is aimed at diversifying the economic activities of Oranjemund.
This project, which aims to support and uplift SME development, is a partnership between Nedbank Namibia, OMDis, and Uconomy Namibia and started in November 2021.
“Since then, the project has delivered exciting designs that will undoubtedly diversify Oranjemund’s economy. These designs include an online marketplace, business listings and profiles, blog functionality, a labour desk, a ticketing system, project- and task-tracking, and a member login access level. As a source of innovation and an economic engine, the success of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) can fuel a greater economic recovery due to their innovative and opportunity-seeking nature.
“However, they need supplementary support. We recognise that this attempt at collaboration is still in its infancy, but evidence delivered by the pilot project thus far, may lead to its implementation in other regions of Namibia,” Nedbank Namibia’s Manager for Communications and PR Selma Kaulinge said.
She said the initiative further aims to bridge the expertise gap by providing SMEs with an opportunity to access a network of local suppliers and clients.
“They will also be linked to various membership platforms that provide access to development support. It is equally important to make investments in long-term structural reforms such as digital and financial inclusion, as well as the development of entrepreneurial skill capacity,” Kaulinge said.
According to the 2022 NSA Census of Business Establishment report, based on a pilot study that looked at 61,502 establishments between October 2019 and April 2021, SMEs play an important role in the country’s economy.
