Press Release
In a concerted effort to bolster inclusivity for Namibian Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) has announced Swakopmund as the host town for the 2023 Know2Grow (K2G) NextGen
Entrepreneurs Showcase 2023, designed to serve as a catalyst for growth and innovation, offering MSMEs a robust platform for market access and capacity building. The Showcase will see these enterprises interacting with business support organisations, exhibiting their
unique products and services and forming valuable networks with their peers. The event will take place under the theme, “Sustaining Communities, Unlocking Opportunities, and Promoting Inclusivity”.
In conjunction with the anchor sponsor, Coca-Cola Beverage Africa (Namibia), the event will take place from 2 to 4 November, 2023 at The Dome in Swakopmund. Coca-Cola signalled a robust commitment to fuelling the growth of Namibia’s MSMEs, particularly the youth,
through a sponsorship amount of N$ 550,000. The company’s continued support for Namibian MSMEs long predates this announcement. At the inaugural K2G NextGen Entrepreneurs Showcase 2022, Coca-Cola not only furnished a N$150,000 sponsorship but also provided the food and refreshments for all attending MSMEs. Earlier this year, the company further pledged N$500,000 towards the NIPDB Technovation Social, an initiative that is targeted towards Namibian MSMEs in the culture and creative sectors.
“K2G NextGen Entrepreneurs, by championing inclusivity, aims to offer equal opportunities especially for women and youth MSMEs. Our hope is that this empowers them to contribute significantly to our nation’s economic development, while also unlocking the potential for new
avenues for growth. We are cognizant of the youth unemployment challenge and I can assure you that it is the very reason for our committed efforts. It is deeply instilled in our organisational culture that the purpose of our work is to create jobs for Namibians,” stated Dino Ballotti, Executive Director for MSME Development, Innovation and Acceleration during the Announcement event which took place in Swakopmund on Tuesday, 27 June 2023.
In an open invitation for towns to host the upcoming Know2Grow NextGen Entrepreneurs Showcase, several bids were submitted and an independent selection committee undertook the process of selection, ultimately choosing Swakopmund as the next host. Known for its
robust entrepreneurial spirit and steadfast commitment to both inclusivity and sustainability, Swakopmund is an ideal fit for the goals and values of the initiative.
“We are honoured to receive this great baton to host this impactful event in our town and region later this year. As the host town, we are committed to providing a warm and welcoming atmosphere for entrepreneurs from across the nation. Our goal is to create an environment where creativity flourishes, connections are forged and exciting business opportunities are explored. Swakopmund, with its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage and entrepreneurial ecosystem serves as the perfect backdrop for this significant showcase,” remarked Councillor Claus-Werner Goldbeck at the Municipality of Swakopmund. During the announcement, the Municipality generously pledged N$10,000 .
Drawing on the success of the previous showcase in Tsumeb, the NIPDB is filled with optimism for the forthcoming event. A public expression of interest will soon be issued. All MSMEs are strongly urged to seize the opportunity to participate.
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