The Namibia Investment and Promotion Development Board (NIPDB) and OMDis Town Transform Agency have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to foster the development of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises at the former mining town of Oranjemund and across the ||Kharas Region.
OMDis Town Transform Agency is a Section 21 Company, and its sole purpose is to accelerate the transformation of the former diamond mining town of Oranjemund through economic diversification.
The company had received seed funding from the mining giant Namdeb.
The signing of the MoU marks a significant milestone in collaboration between the two parties.
The General Manager of OMDis Town Transform Agency, Tony Bessinger, said, "The crux of this MoU lies in the joint commitment to uplift MSMEs in our community, recognising their vital role as drivers of the local economy, innovation, and job creation. This collaboration will be guided by a well-thought-out strategy that identifies the specific needs and development areas of MSMEs.
NIPDB MSME Business Advisory Services Manager Nankelo Amupadhi noted that MSMEs play an integral part in stimulating socio-economic development in emerging markets.
"Through this partnership, we will work together towards advancing knowledge, as Tony mentioned, technology, and markets for our MSMEs. We understand that when we empower our MSMEs, our entire economy will flourish."
Key initiatives under the partnership are, among others, the MSME digital boot camp and the business support programme, which aim to provide personalised business support services to MSMEs in Oranjemund.
In addition, the collaboration will focus on providing MSME financial support.
nbc News caught up with one of the entrepreneurs who benefit from grants through the assistance of the OMDis Town Transform Agency.
"OMDis assisted me by hosting different grants with another company from Windhoek, and I took part in those grants, and I won many grants, and with that money I bought my equipment, and I used to renovate my bakery, and that's how they assisted me," said Riaan Losper, an entrepreneur.
Losper dreams big and plans to branch out his bakery across the ||Kharas Region.
Currently, his business has created one employment opportunity.