Imelda Ambondo
First National Bank of Namibia has announced a N$60 000 sponsorship towards a national tourism entrepreneurship training programme, aimed at strengthening small businesses in the sector.
The funding, unveiled during an entrepreneurship and compliance training session hosted with the Namibia Tourism Board (NTB) in Windhoek yesterday will support financial literacy and business skills development for emerging tourism operators.
Speaking at the event, FNB Namibia treasury executive Selma Kapeng said the contribution is part of the bank’s broader focus on empowering small and medium enterprises.
“It gives me great pleasure to officially announce that FNB Namibia will be sponsoring an amount of N$60 000 towards this programme. This contribution will specifically support the financial literacy and entrepreneurship components of the programme, aligned to our broader focus on SME development and financial inclusion.”
Kapeng said tourism remains a key pillar of Namibia’s economy, but many small operators struggle due to limited business skills and access to opportunities.
“We recognise that many emerging tourism operators face real and pressing challenges, including limited access to entrepreneurship and financial management skills, gaps in market access, as well as a lack of knowledge around compliance and insurance requirements,” she said.
She added that the bank’s support goes beyond financial contributions.
“Supporting an industry goes far beyond sponsorship. It requires a deliberate and sustained effort to uplift the entire value chain, to ensure that growth is inclusive, resilient, and sustainable,” Kapeng said.
The programme, implemented in partnership with NTB, will be rolled out nationally and targets entrepreneurs at grassroots level, including tour operators, guides and shuttle service providers.
NTB chief executive officer Sebulon Chicalu welcomed the support, saying it comes at a critical time when many small businesses are failing.
“A significant proportion of start-ups fail within the first three to five years, often due to cash flow constraints, lack of financial management skills, and limited market access,” he said.
He said that the training is designed to address these gaps and improve business sustainability.
“This training is not just about starting a business, it is about building financial discipline and sustainability,” Chicalu said.
Both partners expressed confidence that the programme will help build a more resilient and competitive tourism sector.
“We are confident that this sponsorship will contribute to building a more resilient, sustainable and competitive tourism sector,” Kapeng said.
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