FNB, DHL partner to grow SMEs
FNB Namibia and DHL Namibia have partnered to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) overcome barriers to international trade by combining logistics support and market access with financing and business advisory services.
The two companies signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on 20 October, bringing together DHL Namibia’s GoTrade programme and FNB’s financial solutions, financial literacy initiatives and business support.
The partnership aims to address two major constraints on SME growth: access to markets and access to finance. Through DHL GoTrade, participating businesses will receive international trade training, mentorship, logistics support and access to global market opportunities.
FNB will complement these services with tailored financing, financial literacy programmes and business advisory support. FNB Namibia's head of SME Nesdha De said SMEs were central to the economy but often struggled to access both markets and funding.
“Market access and financing are two sides of the same coin. Solving one without the other only takes an SME halfway. That is precisely why this partnership exists,” De Jongh said.
FNB’s support will include working capital solutions to help exporters fulfil orders and expand operations, alongside financial education to strengthen business management and financial discipline.
De Jongh said the value of the partnership lay in combining the two companies’ capabilities to help businesses translate international trade knowledge into sustainable growth.
“An SME learns to trade internationally through GoTrade, and FNB provides the financing, financial skills and advice to turn that learning into real growth,” De Jongh said.
DHL Namibia managing director Dirk van Doorn welcomed the agreement, saying it would enable SMEs to benefit from FNB’s programmes.
Beyond individual businesses, the partnership aims to promote entrepreneurship, support job creation and encourage sustainable SME growth, with a focus on making opportunities accessible to entrepreneurs across Namibia.
