Staff Writer
Standard Bank Namibia has launched the 2026 Blue Growth Series, expanding the programme to support about 80 micro, small and medium enterprises.
The programme was launched in Windhoek this week.
It is run in partnership with the Namibia Investment and Finance Academy.
The number of businesses supported has doubled from the first edition.
The event brought together policymakers, financial sector leaders and selected entrepreneurs.
Deputy minister of education, innovation, youth, sport, arts and culture, Dino Ballotti said a strong business environment is needed for entrepreneurs to grow.
He said access to finance, mentorship, and support systems are keys.
The programme supports youth entrepreneurship and aims to strengthen small businesses.
It also focuses on helping informal businesses move into the formal economy.
Participants will go through a seven-month programme run by the Namibia Investment and Finance Academy.
Training includes financial management, business strategy and governance.
Participants will also receive certification in Bloomberg Finance Fundamentals through the Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust).
This year, the programme includes a track for informal businesses.
It will focus on basic record-keeping and exposure to formal business systems.
The founder of Ontoko Foods and winner of the 2025 programme, Jane Auala, said the initiative helped grow her business.
Standard Bank Namibia said the programme targets a key challenge facing small businesses.
It said many struggle to access funding because they are not ready to meet requirements.
The programme aims to improve business readiness and support growth.
