Standard Bank Namibia is intensifying efforts to improve access to finance for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), with 68 entrepreneurs graduating from its 2026 Blue Growth Series and 27 businesses securing opportunities to pitch for funding and market access.
The programme, implemented in partnership with the Namibia Investment and Finance Academy (NIFA), aims to address financing and business development challenges facing local entrepreneurs by preparing them to meet the requirements of commercial banks and other financial institutions.
According to Standard Bank Namibia, five entrepreneurs successfully accessed financing through the programme, while 42 surveyed participants reported increased business income and 16 opened business accounts with the bank.
The programme has expanded from 40 participating enterprises in 2025 to almost 80 in 2026, bringing the total number of businesses supported to nearly 120 over the past two years.
Standard Bank Namibia Executive Officer for Business and Commercial Banking Hellen Amupolo said the bank was focusing on addressing barriers that prevent SMEs from accessing funding and expanding their operations.
“At Standard Bank Namibia, we believe that when entrepreneurs succeed, communities prosper and economies grow. SMEs are the backbone of Namibia’s economy, but unlocking their full potential requires more than access to capital. It requires skills, networks, market opportunities and the confidence to scale,” Amupolo said.
She said the programme was designed to strengthen entrepreneurs’ financial management capabilities while connecting them with potential financiers and commercial opportunities.
“Through the Blue Growth Series, we are helping entrepreneurs strengthen their businesses and preparing them for future growth opportunities. This is part of how we bring our purpose, ‘Namibia is our home, we drive her growth’, to life by supporting businesses that create jobs, stimulate local economic activity and contribute to the country’s long-term development.”
As part of the programme, 27 investment-ready enterprises participated in a Pitch Day, presenting their businesses to development finance institutions, commercial banks, investors and prospective buyers.
The initiative provided participating entrepreneurs with opportunities to engage potential financiers, explore funding arrangements and establish relationships with potential customers.
The programme also offers subsidised management accounts, business advisory services, assistance in preparing funding applications and support in developing business profiles.
These interventions are intended to help SMEs strengthen their financial records and business systems, which are among the requirements considered by financial institutions when assessing funding applications.
NIFA Chief Executive Officer and Founder Arinze Okafor said the programme focused on equipping entrepreneurs with practical skills to improve their competitiveness and ability to attract investment.
“Our objective is to help entrepreneurs build businesses that are resilient, competitive and investment-ready. The Blue Growth Series provides participants with practical business skills and direct exposure to potential funders and markets, ensuring that learning translates into real opportunities for growth,” Okafor said.
“We are encouraged by the progress made by this year’s cohort and look forward to supporting graduates as they continue their business development journey.”
The 2026 cohort included entrepreneurs from eight regions across Namibia, with women accounting for 54% of participants and young people under the age of 35 representing 53%.
Despite the programme’s focus on access to finance, only five businesses were reported to have secured funding. The bank did not disclose the total value of financing obtained or the number of participants who had formally applied for funding.
Standard Bank said graduates would continue receiving mentorship and advisory support over the next three months, focusing on strengthening funding applications, pursuing market opportunities and advancing engagements with potential financiers.
The Blue Growth Series, forms part of Standard Bank Namibia and NIFA’s efforts to strengthen SME development and support business growth, employment creation and economic diversification.
