Chamwe Kaira
The African Development Bank has provided N$400 million to support a new women-focused financing initiative by the Development Bank of Namibia (DBN) aimed at boosting women’s participation in the economy.
The initiative, called DBN For Her, was launched in Windhoek this week. It is designed to support businesses that are fully owned by women by giving them access to funding to start, grow and expand.
Finance Minister Ericah Shafudah said the programme responds to barriers that limit women’s economic participation.
“DBN For Her represents a deliberate and strategic response to structural imbalances in our economy. It is not only about access to finance but also about ensuring that women become active drivers of economic growth, job creation, and national development,” she said.
The facility targets businesses with between five and 300 employees across different sectors. Loans range from N$150 000 to N$10 million. The funding comes with a 12-month grace period and flexible collateral options, including credit guarantees and project assets.
Gender equality minister Emma Kantema said the initiative supports national and regional development goals.
“Empowering women is not an act of charity; it is an act of justice, an investment in progress, and a foundation for a more prosperous and equitable society,” she said.
DBN board chairperson Evangelina Nailenge said the programme is aimed at closing gaps in access to finance.
“Without targeted solutions tailored for women, there is a risk of unintentionally excluding them from the economy. DBN For Her is a strategic intervention to unlock the full potential of women entrepreneurs,” she said.
The initiative is aligned with Namibia’s sixth National Development Plan and regional frameworks that promote women’s economic empowerment. It aims to help women move from job seekers to job creators and support economic growth.
