GIZ Namibia

On 10 June 2026, the Promotion of Small and Medium Enterprises Development (ProSME) Project officially launched the SME Fund, marking an important milestone for SME development in Namibia.

Implemented through a partnership between the National Planning Commission (NPC), the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the SME Fund aims to strengthen access to finance and support the growth of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

Through grants ranging from N$50,000 to N$100,000, the Fund will assist eligible businesses to scale their operations, enhance competitiveness, access new market opportunities, and contribute to job creation and economic development.

The SME Fund forms part of a broader effort to strengthen Namibia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by connecting entrepreneurs with the resources, support services, and opportunities they need to grow sustainable and resilient businesses.

By investing in MSMEs, we are investing in innovation, employment, and inclusive economic growth for Namibia.

Applications are open to all sectors, with high priority given to youth-led and women-led enterprises, as well as businesses demonstrating innovation, sustainability, and job creation.

Interested applicants can apply online at http://smefund.nipdb.com/ between 10 June and 24 July 2026.

For enquiries, contact [email protected].

Namibia Launches SME Fund to Accelerate MSME Growth and Competitiveness

Namibian MSMEs can now access targeted funding and integrated business support through the newly launched SME Fund, implemented by the National Planning Commission (NPC), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB).

Under the ProSME Project, eligible enterprises may apply for grants ranging from N$50,000 to N$100,000 to scale operations, enhance competitiveness and unlock new market opportunities in priority sectors, with applications open until 24 July 2026.

Learn more and apply: https://smefund.nipdb.com

Namibia Launches SME Fund to Accelerate MSME Growth and Competitiveness

Namibian MSMEs can now access targeted funding and integrated business support through the newly launched SME Fund, implemented by the National Planning Commission (NPC), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB).

Under the ProSME Project, eligible enterprises may apply for grants ranging from N$50,000 to N$100,000 to scale operations, enhance competitiveness and unlock new market opportunities in priority sectors, with applications open until 24 July 2026.

Learn more and apply: https://smefund.nipdb.com | Stay informed via our WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vajmpk7LY6d2mCQNN531

TENDER ALERT !

Namibia’s green hydrogen future will only be as strong as the local businesses that power it. 🇳🇦⚡

Through a partnership between GIZ Namibia and Hyphen, we are inviting experienced firms or consortia to help shape an Enterprise & Supplier Development Programme that will unlock meaningful opportunities for Namibian enterprises in the green hydrogen value chain.

This is an opportunity to contribute to building local capacity, strengthening supply chains, and advancing inclusive industrialisation.

📌 See the tender advert below for details.

https://www.giz.de/en/regions/africa/southern-african-development-community-sadc-and-botswana/tenders

The Inclusive and Sustainable Urban Development (ISUD II) project was pleased to participate in the Bank of Namibia Research Seminar on “Housing in Namibia: Tracking Progress, Uncovering Gaps, and Identifying Scalable Solutions.”

The seminar brought together stakeholders from central and local government, financial institutions, housing sector agencies, researchers, development partners, civil society organisations, and the private sector to engage on Namibia’s housing and land challenges.

During the seminar, ISUD II contributed to the discussions through a presentation on housing barriers and enablers, highlighting opportunities for more inclusive and sustainable housing solutions in Namibia. GIZ also participated in the panel discussion on addressing housing and land constraints alongside key public and private sector stakeholders.

A key message from ISUD II was that scaling up land and housing requires integrated planning, reliable funding, and housing opportunities that enable communities to build their own homes on their own terms.

We thank the Bank of Namibia for creating this valuable platform for dialogue and collaboration on one of Namibia’s most pressing development challenges.

Preparation Labs for the National Urban Dialogue 2026 took place on 11–12 May in Windhoek under the theme of urban economics, bringing together stakeholders from government, local authorities, civil society, academia, and development partners.

Hosted by the Inclusive and Sustainable Urban Development (ISUD) project, the labs created a platform for dialogue and exchange around the opportunities and challenges shaping Namibia’s towns and cities. Discussions focused on inclusive economic development, land-based finance, bottom-up economies, and mobility in urban areas.

The Preparation Labs also helped lay the foundation for the upcoming National Urban Dialogue 2026 by encouraging shared learning and cross-sector collaboration.

Together, participants contributed towards shaping more resilient, inclusive, and productive urban communities across Namibia.

Photos taken by Althuis

GIZ Namibia at the Namibia-EU Business Forum 2026

GIZ Namibia participated in the recently concluded Namibia-EU Business Forum, held from 11–13 May under the theme: “Towards stronger, greener and more diversified economies: Catalyzing Business and Trade Opportunities between the EU and Namibia.”

At the EU Pavilion, several GIZ projects showcased the impact of German-Namibian development cooperation through insightful interventions, including GET.transform, the German Agency for Business and Economic Development (AWE), Promotion of Technical Vocational Education and Training (ProTVET), and the Green Hydrogen Business Alliance.

These engagements highlighted key opportunities and progress across areas such as investment facilitation and development support, green hydrogen and renewable energy skills development, mobilising clean energy investments, and updates on ongoing project implementation.

The forum provided a valuable platform to strengthen partnerships, exchange knowledge, and advance Namibia’s transition toward a greener and more diversified economy.

Opening of a Youth Space in Helao Nafidi

The Helao Nafidi Town Council, together with the GIZ ISUD II project, opened a youth space yesterday in the Ombili settlement.
The space responds to needs raised by the community, including the lack of safe areas for children and young people, and limited access to sanitation.

It offers a place for youth to gather and take part in positive activities such as urban gardening and personal development. The space includes a mini soccer field, a netball court, and play equipment like swings, a jungle gym, and a seesaw.

This is a small but important step toward more inclusive and participatory urban development.

The project will continue its participatory planning work to make the area more inclusive, safe, and sustainable, guided by an integrated neighbourhood development approach.

Community Information Office Inauguration in Ndama, Rundu

Rundu Town Council, together with the GIZ ISUD II project, officially opened a community office in the Ndama informal settlement in Rundu.

This space was co-created with the community. It will serve as a place for meetings, engagement, and staying connected. It also gives residents of Ndama easy access to project staff for questions, ideas, and ongoing participation. The office will also provide access to internet services and government services, making it easier for residents to get what they need without long walking distances.

A small but important step toward more inclusive and participatory urban development.

The project continues its participatory planning work to make the area more inclusive, safe, and sustainable, guided by an integrated neighbourhood development approach.

The GIZ Promotion of Technical Vocational Education and Training (ProTVET IV) project, financed by German Development Cooperation, hosted a two-day Operational Planning Workshop in Windhoek from 21–22 April 2026.

This workshop brought together partners from the Directorate of TVET of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture (MEIYSAC), key divisions of the Namibia Training Authority (NTA), the Namibia Qualifications Authority (NQA), as well as representatives from the Delegation of the European Union to Namibia (EUD), KfW, GFA Consulting Group and Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme (NGH2P).

The workshop commenced with a reflection on major achievements and lessons learned under ProTVET III, while solidifying activities and strategic priorities for implementation in accordance with the approved scope for ProTVET IV. Stakeholders aligned on roles, timelines, and coordination mechanisms to facilitate a coherent Operational Plan for the new phase; strengthening collaboration, accountability, and ownership across the TVET ecosystem in Namibia.

Advancing People-centered Smart Cities through Innovation and Partnerships

Are our cities evolving fast enough to meet the demands of rapid urbanisation? At the 22nd Annual Conference and AGM of NALAO which took place from 15–17 April 2026, the Integrated Urban Development (ILA) Project and Lüderitz Town Council (LTC) joined critical conversations on shaping the future of local governance and urban development.

Aligned with the theme “Inspiring People-Centered Smart Cities for Inclusive and Sustainable Urbanisation,” the contribution focused on Digital Twins for Urban Development, highlighting both the opportunities and practical challenges of integrating data-driven solutions into local contexts. The team also showcased the Lüderitz–Leipzig Partnership as a working model of how collaboration can translate innovation into tangible impact. Driving real innovation requires more than vision. It demands critical engagement, tested solutions, and partnerships that work.