Sign in Subscribe
Energy industries

DBN Celebrates Two Decades of Namibian Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Development Bank of Namibia marked two decades of recognizing Namibian entrepreneurship and innovation with the 2025 Good Business and Innovation Awards at the Windhoek Country Club and Resort. Blue Crane Safaris Namibia CC, OLC Arandis Solar Energy Corporation, and Lizwise Investment emerged as top winners across three categories: Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), Large Enterprises, and the DBN Innovation Award. The event showcased the bank's continued support for inclusive and transformative economic development, investing over N$21 billion into the Namibian economy and creating more than 76,000 jobs.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Development Bank of Namibia recognized top winners across three categories: Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), Large Enterprises, and the DBN Innovation Award.
  • Blue Crane Safaris Namibia CC won the SME category, with Ongula Homestead Group as first runner-up.
  • OLC Arandis Solar Energy Corporation won the Large Enterprise category, with Quanta Holdings (Pty) Ltd as first runner-up.
  • Lizwise Investment won the DBN Innovation Award for its pioneering Mahangu Pasta innovation.
  • The winners received cash prizes: N$150,000 for the SME category, N$250,000 for the large enterprise category, and N$400,000 for the innovation award.
  • Finance and Public Enterprises Minister Ericah Shafudah commended the DBN for its continued support of inclusive and transformative economic development.
  • The bank has invested over N$21 billion into the Namibian economy since its inception and created more than 76,000 jobs.
  • The DBN's 2024-2029 integrated strategic plan aims to drive sustainable growth by expanding access to finance for underserved sectors and communities.
  • The bank is streamlining its application processes to enable a broader spectrum of entrepreneurs to engage with DBN as a responsive and forward-thinking development finance partner.

Statistics:

  • The Development Bank of Namibia has invested over N$21 billion into the Namibian economy since its inception.
  • The bank has created more than 76,000 jobs.
  • The winners received cash prizes: N$150,000 for the SME category, N$250,000 for the large enterprise category, and N$400,000 for the innovation award.
  • The DBN's integrated strategic plan aims to drive sustainable growth for underserved sectors and communities.

Sources:

  • "DBN Celebrates Two Decades of Namibian Entrepreneurship and Innovation" (New Era)
  • Development Bank of Namibia (DBN)
  • Finance and Public Enterprises Minister Ericah Shafudah's speech at the DBN Good Business and Innovation Awards

Read more