Windhoek summit to tackle MSME growth
Local entrepreneurs and business leaders will gather in Windhoek later this month as the annual Future of Business Conference returns to address the challenges facing Namibia’s small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The one-day event, scheduled for 29 July at Droombos Estate, comes as local business owners continue to navigate high operating costs and tight credit conditions in the domestic market.
Now in its second year, the conference aims to connect owner-managed businesses with established corporate leaders and economic analysts to discuss practical survival and growth strategies.
Among the local speakers is Sven Thieme, executive chairman of the Ohlthaver & List (OL) Group, alongside Ida Williams, an economist at the Windhoek-based advisory firm Cirrus Capital, and Khensani Nobanda, group chief marketing officer at Nedbank.
Employment and growth
MSMEs are a critical source of employment in Namibia, though many struggle to scale up or access regional markets.
Selma Kaulinge, spokesperson for Nedbank Namibia, which is sponsoring the event, said supporting smaller enterprises is vital for the country's wider economic stability.
"MSMEs are the backbone of our economy and key drivers of innovation, employment, and sustainable growth," Kaulinge said, adding that the event is designed to help local businesses build networks and explore new market opportunities.
Beyond the boardroom
Organisers say the focus of this year's event will be on generating tangible deals rather than high-level policy discussions.
Stefan Hugo, director at co-organisers Future Media, said the summit aims to facilitate direct transactions between local businesses.
"The focus is on high-quality content that delivers genuine value, and on ensuring the learnings reach beyond the room," Hugo said, noting that sustainable job creation in Namibia remains heavily dependent on the health of the MSME sector.
Delegates can register for the conference via the PayToday platform at a cost of N$800, which includes access to all discussions, catering, and an evening networking event.
