More than 60 Namibian entrepreneurs were connected directly with potential buyers and business opportunities through Standard Bank Namibia’s Blue Growth Series Market Access Day held at the Franco-Namibian Cultural Centre (FNCC) in Windhoek at the weekend.
The event sought to tackle market access, one of the key barriers facing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), by providing entrepreneurs with a platform to sell and showcase their products and services, build commercial networks and engage potential buyers.
The Market Access Day forms part of the Standard Bank Blue Growth Series 2026, an entrepreneurship development programme aimed at improving SMEs’ access to skills, networks, finance and markets.
Khomas Region Governor Sam Nujoma said the initiative responds to the need for practical platforms where entrepreneurs can connect directly with buyers.
“This Market Access Day directly answers the region’s call for the development of a fully functional market enterprise where entrepreneurs can meet real buyers,” Nujoma said.
He said creating opportunities for SMEs to showcase their products, build networks and secure business opportunities could strengthen entrepreneurship and support economic growth in the region.
Standard Bank Namibia Head of Enterprise and Direct Banking Rodney Coetzee said access to buyers and supply chains remains a major obstacle for local businesses despite many entrepreneurs having products and services capable of competing in the market.
“Many entrepreneurs have the talent, resilience and ability to create products and services that can compete in the market. However, access to buyers, supply chains and commercial opportunities remains a significant challenge,” Coetzee said.
He said the Market Access Day was designed to connect SMEs with new markets, commercial networks and strategic partnerships that could support their expansion.
Coetzee said access to finance alone was insufficient to build sustainable businesses, with entrepreneurs also requiring market access, mentorship, technology, business development support and partnerships.
The event included entrepreneurs participating in the Blue Growth Series as well as other SMEs selected through an open public call, extending participation beyond the programme’s existing cohort.
Standard Bank said the initiative is aimed at creating practical commercial opportunities for SMEs, supporting business growth and ultimately contributing to employment creation and Namibia’s economic development.
