Empowerment for entrepreneurs
Momentum Metropolitan Foundation recently sponsored the African Union’s Chelete Cage pitch event in Windhoek as part of the AU Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Forum.With a contribution of N$300 000, the foundation supported this initiative designed to empower African entrepreneurs through financial and non-financial backing.
The AU MSME Forum brought together over 200 entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers from 54 African countries to foster financial empowerment and innovation. Chelete Cage, a highlight of the forum, offered selected entrepreneurs from the ICT and creative and culture industries sectors a platform to pitch for funding, mentorship, and strategic partnerships.
Empowering African Innovators
Chelete Cage aims to help MSMEs overcome funding challenges by providing both financial support and mentorship. The event featured 12 entrepreneurs pitching their ideas to a panel of expert judges from various sectors of African entrepreneurship, innovation, and technology. The panel consisted of Denille Roostee (Momentum Metropolitan), Ben Bertolini (M&G Investments), Efe Ukala (ImpactHER), Ody Akhanoba (Afreximbank), Natanael Nabot (Byte Able) and Bulelwa Nkosi (African Union Commission).
Judging
The judges assessed the pitches based on innovation, market potential, financial viability and societal impact, highlighting the importance of supporting scalable business models with significant growth potential.
Roostee emphasised the foundation’s dedication to youth development and entrepreneurship. “Our young population is Africa’s most critical asset, and it is our responsibility as citizens to enable them to reach their full potential through education, mentorship, and investment.”
She highlighted the importance of public-private collaboration in driving economic transformation. “Strategic partnerships create sustainable ecosystems that nurture talent and unlock youth potential,” Roostee said. “Special thanks to the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) for recognising our youth's potential and being the catalyst in driving collaboration towards common goals.”
Celebrating excellence
Three entrepreneurs stood out for their innovation and potential:
• First: Vitalis Haupindi of YYeni AI (Namibia), receiving N$50 000 from Momentum Metropolitan, U$5 000 from ImpactHER, AWS credits, and an international trade fair trip.
• Second: Janet Kabugho of Skills Centrum Rwenzori (Uganda), awarded N$30 000 from Momentum Metropolitan, U$1 500 from ImpactHER, AWS credits, and mentorship.
• Third: Rosalia Neshuku of Namutse (Namibia), with N$20 000 from Momentum Metropolitan, U$1 000 from ImpactHER, AWS credits, and additional support.
These awards reflect the commitment to nurturing entrepreneurial talent and leveraging Africa’s youth potential to drive sustainable economic development across the continent.