Now we’re really cooking!
Nedbank Namibia has launched the 2026 Nedbank Kapana Cook-Off, an entrepreneurship competition aimed at helping informal food vendors and aspiring chefs turn their culinary skills into sustainable businesses.
The competition was unveiled at Temperature Lounge in Windhoek on Friday, bringing together media, partners and stakeholders to celebrate Namibia's popular kapana culture.
Nedbank Namibia communications and public relations manager Selma Kaulinge said the initiative goes beyond cooking.
"At Nedbank, we believe in being Money Experts Who Do Good. The Kapana Cook-Off is more than a competition; it is a business incubator that creates real opportunities for grassroots entrepreneurs," she said.
Kaulinge said the competition provides participants with financial support, business training and exposure to help bridge the gap between the informal and formal economy.
Regional rounds will be held in Swakopmund on 1 August, Oshakati on 29 August and Windhoek on 19 September, with the grand finale taking place in Katutura on 3 October.
The amateur category winner will receive a fully equipped mobile kapana kitchen worth N$150 000, a Nedbank account seeded with N$10 000 and a Bakpro voucher worth N$5 000. Winners will also receive financial literacy training and business support.
Former winner Ester Silas told guests the competition transformed her business.
"Winning the Nedbank Kapana Cook-Off gave me credibility and recognition. Today, I am not just a vendor; I am a food truck owner and a businesswoman," she said.
She encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs to enter the competition, saying it had given her confidence, visibility and the opportunity to build a sustainable business.
The initiative is supported by partners including Bakpro, Agra and the Namibian Chefs Association.
Entry forms are available at Nedbank branches nationwide and online. Entries are now open.
