Justicia Shipena
A business offering technical solutions for everyday challenges took first place in the Otjozondjupa Region as the Old Mutual Foundation announced the top three winners of its Sustainable Economic and Empowerment Drive (OM SEED).
Kennedy Tobias, founder of Kensamos Engineering CC, claimed the top spot for his work repairing electrical appliances and developing innovative technical fixes.
Meanwhile, Erna Naises, a skilled tailor and co-founder of Two Sisters CC, earned second place for her focus on custom clothing and using design to empower women.
Third place went to Maria Shigwedha of Green Pastures Investment CC, a business distributing fresh produce across the region to support local farmers and improve food access.
Old Mutual Namibia group marketing, public affairs and sustainability executive Mignon du Preez said the winners in Otjozondjupa are proof that resilience and resourcefulness are alive and well in our communities.
“From technical repairs to textile design and food distribution, their businesses solve real problems and represent the heartbeat of grassroots innovation,” she said.
Each winner will receive seed capital, business development support, and one-on-one mentorship to help grow their enterprises and strengthen their long-term impact.
The announcement is part of OM SEED’s final phase, marking the end of a three-year initiative aimed at boosting community-level entrepreneurship.
Since its launch in 2022, the programme has supported over 100 entrepreneurs across the country through funding, mentorship, and training aligned with Old Mutual Foundation’s goal of economic inclusion.
For the final cycle, OM SEED received 116 entries from the Omaheke, Otjozondjupa, Omusati, and Kunene regions.
Finalists were selected through interviews and site visits conducted in partnership with the Financial Literacy Initiative and the United Nations Development Programme.
Winners from the remaining regions will be announced in the coming weeks.
