The founder of Katutura Business Networking Sessions, Maggy Ketji, has brought financial institutions and local business communities together to network.
Ketji notes that Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Katutura are underserved, and hence, they need to be empowered.
"Platforms like this where they can engage with institutions in terms of getting information, how to access finance and how to scale their businesses and also form collaborations with other businesses within Katutura."
The narrative about Katutura being a place of need to a hub of innovation and, you know, of creativity and definitely development and empowerment. So we would like for businesses to come, network, collaborate, and form joint ventures to form corporations that can actually drive the economy of Katutura," she highlighted.
A representative of the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI), Elago Nantana, noted that they remain committed to supporting the next generation of business through comprehensive capacity building and strategic market development.
"So our flagship initiative is for micro, small and medium enterprises with the tools, knowledge and connections they need to enhance operation, expand market development and create sustainable employment opportunities across Namibia."
Nantana further highlighted the Enterprise Development Programme that offers businesses capacity-building skills as well as mentorship and coaching design to develop essential business and leadership skills.
"Myself, when I joined the first time, I was trained how to do taxing; I cannot tell what that was. But when I joined NCCI, I was connected with people that came to train me in what is taxing. I didn't know I had mentors in business that were connected with Miss Ndapewa Kadhikwa. She was my mentor. I didn't understand many of these things in the business world, but NCCI through the EDP opened me up to all these opportunities," he expanded.
The Manager of SME Business Banking at Bank of Windhoek, Clarissa Huiseman, says mentorship is one of the most requested items in the SME market.
"So we are really fighting. I don't know if everyone knows about the Capricorn Foundation, so that is the bank's community service link. So we are busy negotiating with them so that they can provide some funds to provide mentorship to our SMEs."