The Old Mutual Foundation has presented a list of 40 shortlisted candidates for the Old Mutual Sustainable, Economic, and Empowerment Drive (OM SEED) Entrepreneurship Programme, which is currently in its third edition.
This initiative maintains its objective to promote entrepreneurship, accelerate economic growth, and address the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Namibia in collaboration with its partners, Basecamp and the Financial Literacy Initiative (FLI).
OM SEED was launched in 2022 and has reached six regions to date. This year’s focus is the Ohangwena, Oshikoto, Zambezi, and Kavango West regions whereas in 2025, OM SEED will reach out to entrepreneurs in Kunene, Omaheke, Omusati and Otjozondjupa – covering a total of 14 regions in three years.
Since its founding, OM SEED has played a significant role in fostering grassroots entrepreneurship by giving small business owners access to funding, incubator and mentorship support and is dedicated to creating a robust and welcoming entrepreneurial environment in Namibia.
Patricia Olivier, Old Mutual Foundation Chairperson and Managing Director of Corporate Segment stated, “We are thrilled to announce the top 40 shortlisted candidates for the 2024 OM SEED Initiative.
“The expansion of this initiative into new regions marks a significant step in our mission to support local entrepreneurs nationwide.
“By providing them with the necessary resources and recognition, we are driving economic growth, enhancing community resilience, and contributing to the country’s Sustainable Development Goals.”
Olivier stated that the selection process for the programme is rigorous, involving comprehensive evaluations and on-site visits to the businesses of the ten shortlisted entrepreneurs in each town.
These visits, scheduled for June 2024, will culminate in the identification of the top three candidates in each town who will receive financial support and incubation assistance.
The 40 small entrepreneurs who were selected to go to the next round of rigorous evaluations are: Zambezi Region,
Kamwi Musweu
Masule Brendan Nchindo
Thaddius Masule
Shepherd Nyombe
Georgina Nankole Likukela
Joseph Moowa Kalokela
Rhonel Libana
Mercy Kachaka Kachaka
Zecks Musiyena Linosi
Beaven Simasiku Mulijani
Kavango West Region,
Salomi Vilkuna Kambala
Ester Wayivhwa Haita
McDonald Matheus Naughulu
Januarius Hamutenya
Anselm Matamu
Josephine Kapango
Frans Kaunda
Johannes Sheya
Lina Luizi
Daniel Kandjimi
Ohangwena Region,
Peneyambeko Kashimba
Niingo Martha Nghishindwa
Alma Naitsuwe Kayofa
Steve-Biko Nghiwewelekwa
Elizabeth Povanhu
Velasia David
Festus Elago
Juso Mwandingi
Ndapunikwa Justina Weyulu
Ester Magano Hango
Oshikoto Region,
Theohill Veldtschoen
Twafeni Letisiya Jona
Vilho Linekela Mushelenge
Maria Shangula
Robert Natangwe Johannes
Clemens Mupili
Alexa Burmeu
Theodor Shithigona
Ella Nghifindaka
Johannes Hilukilwa.
Three winners will be chosen from each of the four regions; the first award will be worth N$50 000, the second prize N$30 000, and the third prize N$20 000.
These grants will serve as catalysts, empowering the winners to scale their businesses, create more employment opportunities, and significantly contribute to Namibia’s economic growth and development.
In the photo: Some of the previous year’s OM SEED winners.
