In a small beauty salon in Swakopmund the sound of nail files and laughter tells a story far bigger than beauty.

They tell a story of survival, courage and one of breaking stereotypes.

Some young people are actively pursuing diverse income initiatives to mitigate the impact of rising cost-of-living hardships.

At the International University of Management (IUM) Nkurenkuru campus, student Ncame Andreas has ventured into horticulture, which helps him earn a living and make ends meet.

Community development is gradually progressing at the Kalkfeld settlement, thanks to the efforts of the Otjozondjupa Regional Council, which has established a community bakery run by local residents.

Street vendors form a significant part of Namibia's informal sector and contribute meaningfully to the economy. However, some traders face restrictions due to regulations governing where and how vending activities can take place.

In the past, cross-border trade in Francistown, Botswana's second-largest city, was largely dominated by women from Eswatini, Lesotho, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Small tourism businesses along Swakopmund's beach are beginning to feel the slowdown as the holiday season comes to an end.