Five Khomas MSMEs benefit from NBL fund
Namibia Breweries Limited (NBL) through its MSME Development Fund that was launched in 2024, has allocated N$25 million over the next five years to develop firms owned by historically disadvantage Namibians that operate in the manufacturing and supply of the beverage industry.NBL’s managing director, Waldemar von Lieres, is excited at the chance to fund local development and contribute to Namibia's overall progress.
In the first quarter of 2025, seven beneficiaries from the Khomas region were awarded grant funding to the total value of approximately N$550 000, with more beneficiaries to be awarded in the coming year(s). They are Hansen and Hansen Investment cc, Ink Blink cc, JCD Signs cc, Wanyela Investment cc, Ultra Statix Engineering cc, Exquisite Signs cc and Jet Cooling Investment cc.
“Supporting Namibian MSMEs isn’t just a privilege - it’s a commitment to growth, resilience and impact. Every small business we back has the potential to shape the economy, create opportunities and drive progress. We are honoured to stand behind them as they build a stronger Namibia,” Von Lieres said.
Some beneficiaries
• Hansen and Hansen Investment cc specialises in indoor and external signwriting, signage designs and production. Other services include branding, embroidery and printing. The firm received N$80 000 from the MSME Fund to purchase equipment for growth. Founder Delano Hansen stated: “Beyond providing a service, we are also committed to training people in our community with new skills through on-the-job training. We’re confident that this grant will help our community grow.”
• Driven by the desire to provide employment in refrigeration and air conditioning, Nehemia Hailume established Wanyela Investment cc in 2022. Known in the community for fixing fridges and other household electrical appliances, the firm received a grant of N$77 197. “The grant will buy the equipment, tools and personal protective equipment I need to secure work from corporate firms and thereby grow Wanyela Investment cc,” Hailume said.
• A wholly women-owned Namibian enterprise founded by Magano Shambekela Indongo, Exquisite Signs aims to become a leader in the signage and media solutions industry. The grant of N$80 000 comes at a time when the firm faces challenges in securing funding. “This grant will be used to buy a new Roland printer,” said Indongo, “as the one we currently use is outdated and frequently breaks down.”
• After completing a vocational training course in installing and fixing refrigeration and technical equipment, Jerobeam Jason ventured into business in 2019, establishing Jet Cooling Investment cc. Jason manages the firm and often employs service providers for general labour. He said of his N$69 000 grant, “The support brings me one step closer to realizing my vision of growing my business even bigger.”
National initiative
The NBL MSME Development Fund is a national initiative. As part of the inaugural funding campaign focused on the Khomas region, these beneficiaries are the first recipients.
A second phase has kicked off, focused on MSMEs that operate from the //Kharas, Hardap and Omaheke regions. Potential beneficiaries will be invited to pitch and will be selected based on their ability to provide business service delivery for the benefit of all entities that operate in the manufacturing and supply of the beverage industry and the Namibian economy at large.
“We are a homegrown success story,” Von Lieres said, “and our commitment to Brew a Better Namibia is unwavering. By investing in local talent and opportunity, we’re not just celebrating success, we’re creating it.”