EntreprenHER program achieves major policy milestone as Namibian women transform communities through entrepreneurship

In a historic achievement for women’s economic empowerment Namibia, EntreprenHER Namibia celebrated the certification of 48 women micro-entrepreneurs from the Southern Zone in a ceremony held in Lüderitz, Kharas Region. The certified micro-entrepreneurs had completed the Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) training in November 2024 and subsequently received mentoring and coaching in May 2025 to evaluate and strengthen the progress of their businesses.

The event was officiated by Hon. Linda Mbwale, Deputy Minister of Gender Equality and Child Welfare, on behalf of the Minister, Hon. Dr Emma Kantema. Keynote speakers included the Mayor of Lüderitz, His Worship, Hon. Phillippus Albertus Balhao, Kharas Regional Councillor of ǃNamiǂNûs Constituency, Hon. Suzan Ndjaleka, and delegates from De Beers Group and UN Women.

A key highlight of the event was the Deputy Minister’s announcement that the EntreprenHER programme has been officially incorporated into Namibia’s Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6), marking a significant policy victory that will ensure sustainable support for women entrepreneurs nationwide. The milestone was announced during an EntreprenHER certification ceremony on 20 June 2025 in Lüderitz, Namibia, and the ceremony was broadcast on NBC News, Namibia’s national broadcaster, further amplifying the programme’s impact and visibility.

The event further highlighted remarkable success stories that demonstrate the transformative power of investing in women's entrepreneurship.

Building dreams into business success

For Anna Bostander from Lüderitz, the EntreprenHER programme has been life-changing. Operating both Bostander Shuttle and Tours, a taxi service, and Anna's Cookies, a bakery, she credits the training with boosting her confidence and business acumen. "EntreprenHER boosted my confidence as an entrepreneur. I gained practical tools that helped me present my business more professionally, secure financial support, and manage growth more effectively," she explains. Looking ahead, Anna plans to expand her transportation fleet to include school buses while developing her cookie venture into a recognised local brand.
 

The programme's emphasis on digital literacy and marketing has proven particularly valuable for entrepreneurs like Civiletta Rooi, a seamstress from Oranjemund-Roshpinah who operates Dorcas Fashions. When a client cancelled a dress order at the last minute, Civiletta turned to social media marketing skills learned through EntreprenHER. "Initially, I was disappointed that I had wasted my time and fabric. But I posted the dress on my social media and almost immediately got a buyer for that item. I got even more orders from that post," she recalls, highlighting how the programme equipped her to overcome business challenges through innovative marketing approaches. Civiletta has not looked back on online marketing and has seen increased sales in her business.

Strategic Partnerships Driving Impact

The programme's success stems from strong partnerships between the Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare, UN Women, and DeBeers Group. Nora Ndopu, Executive Manager: Debmarine-Namdeb Foundation, spoke at the certification on behalf of the DeBeers Group, emphasising the strategic importance of supporting women's entrepreneurship: "Every successful woman entrepreneur becomes a powerful role model, challenging traditional gender norms and inspiring women and girls to pursue their ambitions. This accelerates progress towards full gender equality. Supporting women's entrepreneurship is not a side effort for us. It is a strategic investment in sustainability and shared prosperity,” she said.

Agnes Phiri, UN Women’s EntreprenHER Programme Manager, highlighted the programme's alignment with global development goals and its focus on addressing structural inequalities. “We know when you put money in a woman's hands, they think about more than just themselves. That sustains families, creates jobs and uplifts communities. The empowerment of women plays a crucial role in poverty alleviation and in growing the economy. By empowering new women, we build the foundation for sustainable and inclusive economic growth,” she noted.
 

Policy Success and Future Vision

The Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare Deputy Minister, Honourable Linda Mbwale emphasised the programme's significance in addressing development goals aimed at ending hunger, eradicating poverty, achieving gender equality, creating decent work and economic growth and building strategic partnerships for development. Although efforts are being made to aid women to formalised enterprises, statistics show that women make up 13% of registered owners in Namibia. The formal registration of women-owned businesses cannot be overstressed, as it paves the way for women to reap the benefits of business registration and participate in the public procurement process. Furthermore, the abovementioned statistics warrant the EntreprenHER programme to focus on women entrepreneurs' development, especially women micro entrepreneurs who have limited access to business development services,” she said.

The incorporation of EntreprenHER into NDP 6 represents more than policy recognition - it ensures the programme's sustainability. With women comprising 51.8% of Namibia's population and running an estimated 60% of micro and small enterprises, the programme addresses a critical economic opportunity.

Since its inception in 2017, the AWOME programme, now proudly renamed EntreprenHER in its third phase, has empowered over 1,100 women micro-entrepreneurs across Namibia in the first two phases. The programme aims to have trained an additional 500 women by the end of Phase 3 (2024 – 2026).

Designed to promote women’s empowerment and poverty eradication, as envisaged by Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1 and 8, the programme supports women in growing and formalising their businesses, creating employment opportunities, and securing more stable sources of income. 

As EntreprenHER continues to expand across Namibia, reaching women in sectors from food processing to male-dominated industries like automotive and construction, the programme demonstrates that investing in women's entrepreneurship creates ripple effects that strengthen entire communities. The programme's success in influencing national policy frameworks while transforming individual lives exemplifies how grassroots initiatives can drive systemic change, ensuring that no woman entrepreneur is left behind in Namibia's journey toward inclusive economic growth.