Giving flowers to the mentors behind Namibian business success
By Hasekiel Johannes
Every mentor or coach working within Namibia’s entrepreneurship ecosystem has faced this question at some point:
At face value, it sounds like a logical question for impact reporting. But beneath the surface, it touches something far deeper — the dedication, silent contributions, and emotional investment made by those who work in the shadows to build Namibia’s private sector, one entrepreneur at a time.
For mentors and coaches across Namibia — whether they are part of public institutions like the local business chambers, Accerelation hub, or independent consultants — this question is a mirror. It reflects not only the number of businesses started or products exported, but the journey walked alongside MSMEs: the late-night phone calls before pitch competitions, the reworked business models, the countless grant applications, and the strategic connections to buyers and financiers.
Namibia’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) sector is estimated to consist of over 70,000 enterprises, contributing about 12% to the country’s GDP and employing more than 160,000 people, according to the Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade. However, most MSMEs operate informally and struggle with access to finance, limited market access, compliance issues, and limited product development support.
This is where mentors step in — not just to guide, but to transform potential into performance.
In 2023, Namibia saw encouraging MSME exports in sectors like agro-processing, cosmetics, and crafts (NIPDB Annual Report, 2023). These successes were not accidental. They were the result of years of investment in product development, certifications, packaging design, and strategic connections — often led by mentors behind the scenes (Namibia MSME Development Programme Report, MIT/NIPDB, 2022). These stories, although often told with the entrepreneur as the hero, always have a co-author: the mentor.
Organizations such as BaseCamp Namibia, Namibia Business Innovation Institute (NBII), HTTPs, and Impact Tank have been instrumental in supporting entrepreneurs, providing mentorship, access to capital, and platforms for growth. These mentorship initiatives have played a vital role in helping Namibian businesses transition from informal markets to global export shelves.
Let’s Give Them Their Flowers
The saying “give them their flowers while they can still smell them” reminds us to acknowledge people’s contributions while they’re still around. In the case of mentors in Namibia’s MSME sector, this recognition is long overdue.
So how can we institutionalise appreciation?
The saying “give them their flowers while they can still smell them” reminds us to honour people’s contributions while they are still present to receive that recognition. In Namibia’s MSME ecosystem, this recognition for mentors is long overdue.
To change that, we propose the formation of a Namibian Mentors Network, backed by both public and private sector partners. This initiative would not only celebrate mentors but also provide them with tools to grow their impact. Key features would include a national database of accredited mentors — experts vetted across sectors like agriculture, ICT, cosmetics, tourism, and manufacturing — with clear areas of specialization. Such a network would formalize the mentorship ecosystem, encourage peer accountability, uphold standards, and ensure continuity.
The Namibian government and institutions like the regional councils play a pivotal role in elevating the visibility and value of mentors within the MSME ecosystem. One critical step is to include mentor contributions in national impact reporting. Public recognition is equally important; mentors should be given a platform at SME expos, investment conferences, and development forums to celebrate their contributions. To ensure inclusivity, mentorship efforts must be incentivized in rural and informal areas, where financial and logistical barriers often prevent expert support from reaching underserved communities. Additionally, investing in knowledge transfer is essential. Many senior mentors possess decades of valuable industry experience that should be documented through case studies, toolkits, or integrated into academic curricula and business support organization (BSO) trainings, ensuring their wisdom benefits future generations of entrepreneurs.
Entrepreneurs, too, have a role. While scaling your business, take a moment to publicly thank those who guided you. Mention them in your brand story, tag them on social media, or recommend them to others. A simple “thank you” goes a long way.
So, the next time you ask a mentor,
“How many MSMEs have you helped to export?”,
also ask,
“How can we support you to do more?”
Namibia’s economic resilience and future competitiveness lie in its ability to grow vibrant MSMEs. Behind every successful MSME is a mentor who saw potential before the world did.
It’s time we give them their flowers — and build the systems that allow many more to bloom.
*Hasekiel Johannes has over 11 years of experience, he has established himself as a specialist in business innovation and MSME development, supporting entrepreneurs and innovators to turn their ideas into viable businesses. He currently serves as a Consultant for Market Access & Export Promotion at the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB). The views expressed are my own.
