Sowing the seeds of entrepreneurial growth

Early-stage Namibian companies were selected to develop their product, sharpen their business model, connect with other startups and grow their network. The five startups went through a rigorous judging process and were chosen based on their performance at the Seedstars Windhoek Bootcamp and Pitching event in November 2019.

Start-up Namibia is a Namibian-German technical cooperation project, financed by the German Government and implemented by GIZ. It works together with Namibians to support them in realising their dream of becoming entrepreneurs and business owners.

The startups that will be receiving support are:

• Derenas Investment: a tyre recycling plant in Rundu which producing crumb rubber to be transformed into pavers, astros, tar roads, etc.

• Tasked: An app that helps you save time (to focus on important stuff) and money (by setting the price) by empowering others (through delegation).

• Ohunguriva Investment: a poultry farm in Okakarara.

• EstApp: EstApp brings your happy home to your fingertips through easy steps connects buyers with sellers and matches roommates.

• Ngishe Biotech: produces biogas from organic waste and targets informal settlements.

Namibia is facing strong economic headwinds and jobs are scarce, especially for young people, even if they are skilled and have a university degree. Entrepreneurship is one way to break the cycle of unemployment, economic hardship and other societal challenges.

However, people need to be stimulated, motivated, empowered and supported in taking concepts and ideas for businesses to the next level. GIZ believes that startups have the potential to drive the creation of new jobs in Namibia, as well as have a fundamental impact on overall economic productivity.

Entrepreneurs bring new ideas to the table and are a catalyst for innovation. The companies may be small, the entrepreneurs may be young, but their ideas are valid and they can play a significant role in economic growth. Their concepts, ideas once turned into reality and into a working business will create more jobs which means more employment opportunities and in turn an improved economy. Which greatly improves society for all within and that is why GIZ supports these activities.

The startups that make it through the bootcamp will have access to a dedicated team of experts that will assist in accelerating their businesses. Allowing the entrepreneurs to avoid pitfalls and speed up the growth of their business.