Twelve entrepreneurs from micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across Africa are set to pitch their business ideas at the third edition of the AU-MSME Forum in Windhoek, Namibia.
Slatted for 9 to 13 September 2024, the event is cohosted by the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB).
The event is expected to attract 300 delegates from across Africa.
Executive Director of Talent Innovation and Productivity at NIPDB, Julia Muetudhana, said 12 MSME will pitch their ideas, three from Namibia and nine from respective African countries.
The forum is expected to enable and boost the Namibian export basket.
Muetudhana highlighted the NIPDB African AU Chelete Cage Pitch, which allows young people to pitch their ideas for funding.
Pitches will be evaluated by judges from across the African continent, and this process will determine eligibility for funding.
“The NIPDB African AU Chelete Cage Pitch, whereby young people can really pitch their ideas for funding. Your idea needs to be viable. It needs to be bankable. You will be judged. There will be judges from the African continent, and that’s how you qualify for funding,” Muetudhana said.
The AU-MSME Summit aims to educate African entrepreneurs about various financial products.
“The objective of the AU-MSME summit includes, among others, to educate African entrepreneurs about diverse financial products, guide them in finding funding sources both locally and globally, and facilitate knowledge sharing and best practices,” she said.
Moreover, the forum offers Namibian business owners an opportunity to engage and promote direct collaboration between the private sector and organisations in Africa.
“The forum allows Namibian business owners a chance to engage with the continent’s agenda and fosters direct collaboration between the private sector and organisations committed to enhancing MSME in Africa,” Muetudhana said.
