Namibia, Estonia take hands to assist MSMEs
Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Namibia – though crucial – grapple with the need for digital adaptation, sustainable innovation and consistent growth.This according to the 2022 Digital Financing for Sustainable Development: An Assessment and Strategy for Namibia that was commissioned by the government with support from the United Nations (UN) in Namibia under the technical assistance of the UN Development Programme.
In light of these challenges, the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) has entered into a strategic partnership with the Estonian Centre for International Development (EstDev), a government-funded foundation responsible for managing and implementing Estonia’s international development cooperation and humanitarian assistance projects. The partnership will, amongst others, culminate in the development of a digital capacity and skills development strategy for Namibian MSMEs, which will define and outline support measures for their benefit.
“We are pleased to embark on our collaboration with the NIPDB. EstDev and NIPDB share the same motivation to deliver change,” Nelli Timm, Regional Advisor for Africa for EstDev, said. “We share the same vision to support Namibian MSMEs and start-up ecosystems. For Estonia, Namibia has a special meaning. We both gained independence at the same time, we are both small and agile, and share similar values on human rights and democratic governance. Thus, it is no surprise that Namibia is one of the African countries Estonia has prioritised for its development cooperation.”
With a combined investment close to N$3 million, the partnership between NIPDB and EstDev is a determined step to enhance and elevate the capabilities of the MSME sector in Namibia in areas such as online banking and eCommerce, the use of mobile apps to streamline their activities and online market research.
Key projects
The partnership, which has its roots in strategic meetings held between EstDev and NIPDB in Estonia in May 2023, will materialise in three key projects, the first of which will kick off in November 2023, in Swakopmund:
1. Tallinn University of Technology: This initiative aims to introduce Estonian methodologies and online tools to promote entrepreneurship and innovation in Namibia, emphasising sustainable growth through green technology and a circular economy.
2. BCS Digital Skills Academy: This initiative, led by the NIPDB, will respond to the demand for digital proficiency in Namibia, outlining strategies for the forthcoming 3-5 years, encompassing action points and an introductory training segment.
3. Foundation Tallinn Science Park TEHNOPOL: Aiming to consolidate economic relationships between Estonia and Namibia, this endeavour will focus on building a sustainable start-up environment, prioritising green technology, elevating entrepreneurial awareness and underpinning environmental advancement.
Dynamic, innovation ecosystem
Speaking at the official announcement of the partnership, Executive Director: MSME Development, Innovation and Acceleration from NIPDB, Dino Ballotti said that the NIPDB’s mission to Estonia earlier this year offered a comprehensive view of a dynamic tech and innovation ecosystem. “The insights gained and connections forged during this visit are now yielding positive results as we’ll see Namibian MSMEs benefiting from Estonia’s experiences and learnings.”
The rationale for this alliance is further strengthened by EstDev's ongoing work to assist nations in realising their developmental targets. Their African Regional Strategy 2020-2030 positions Namibia as a key collaborator for Estonia. Moreover, Estonia's investment in pioneering a digital transformation and fostering entrepreneurship resonates with Namibia's strategic vision, especially when considered alongside the European Union's green hydrogen initiative.
A call for applications will be issued to invite Namibian MSMEs to take advantage of this opportunity in due course.