The Development Bank of Namibia (DBN) has launched a new programme called “DBN for Her” to support women in business.

The programme aims to give women better access to finance so they can grow their businesses and create jobs.

The initiative targets women-owned small businesses and large companies in all sectors, especially those with more than five employees.

Through this programme, women can apply for loans ranging from N$100,000–150,000 up to N$10 million.

The loans come with attractive conditions, including no interest for the first 12 months and a 12-month break before repayment of the principal.

The programme is designed to address challenges that women face when trying to access funding.

DBN’s Board Chairperson, Evangelina Nailenge, said that access to finance helps women grow businesses, create jobs, and reduce poverty.

So far, the bank has approved N$22.74 billion worth of loans, with N$13.25 billion allocated to the private sector, where women-owned businesses in the region received the highest amount.

The Deputy Director of Cash and Debt Management at the Treasury, Salome Idhenga, read a speech on behalf of the Minister of Finance.
“As a government, we remain firmly committed to creating an enabling environment where such initiatives can succeed. I therefore call upon women entrepreneurs across Namibia to seize this opportunity with confidence, grow their businesses, and contribute meaningfully to national development.”

The programme is supported by the African Development Bank.

Its Chief Investment Officer, Alex Area, explained the magnitude of the initiative.

“We launched this product five years ago and began implementation at that time. The results now speak for themselves. In just five years, we have unlocked and approved about N$53 billion in financing for women. We are doing this in 46 countries and working with 200 financial institutions, and we are proud to have DBN included in this effort.”