Staff Writer
FNB Namibia and DHL Namibia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a strategic partnership focused on supporting and empowering Namibian small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
The partnership brings together DHL’s logistics expertise, market access and SME incubation programmes with FNB’s financing solutions, financial literacy initiatives and business advisory support.
Through the partnership, SMEs participating in DHL Namibia’s GoTrade programme will benefit from a comprehensive support ecosystem designed to help businesses overcome barriers to international trade through training, mentorship, logistics support and access to global markets.
By combining DHL’s trade expertise with FNB Namibia’s financial solutions and business support, the collaboration seeks to address the two challenges that most often limit SME growth: access to markets and access to finance.
“SMEs are the heartbeat of our economy. Yet we also know that the road for an SME is rarely smooth,” said De Jongh.
“Market access and financing are two sides of the same coin. Solving one without the other only takes an SME halfway. That is precisely why this partnership exists.”
Through DHL GoTrade, SMEs will gain access to international trade expertise, mentorship and global market opportunities.
“What makes this partnership special is not any single product or programme. It is the way the pieces fit together,” De Jongh added.
“An SME learns to trade internationally through GoTrade, and FNB provides the financing, financial skills and advice to turn that learning into real growth. The result is a business that is export-ready and internationally competitive.”
Beyond supporting individual businesses, the collaboration is designed to drive broader economic impact by promoting entrepreneurship, creating employment opportunities and enabling sustainable SME growth, with a strong focus on ensuring opportunities are accessible to entrepreneurs across all regions and communities.
Dirk van Doorn, managing director of DHL Namibia, welcomed the partnership: “We are delighted to enter into a MOU with FNB knowing that our SME sector will have the ability to benefit from the FNB programs.”
FNB, DHL said the Memorandum of Understanding establishes a framework for collaboration in good faith.
Any financing remains subject to FNB Namibia’s applicable credit assessment and governance requirements, the agreement said.
FNB Namibia said it remains committed to supporting entrepreneurship, creating jobs and driving inclusive economic growth across Namibia.
