Staff Writer
FNB Namibia recently brought together entrepreneurs, government regulators and business leaders to help small and medium enterprises strengthen financial resilience.
Held in Ongwediva under the theme Building a resilient business: Strengthening credit, compliance and risk awareness, the bank’s SME Financial Literacy Day focused on practical knowledge that can help businesses improve their financial management, strengthen compliance and make better-informed decisions.
The event reflected growing recognition that access to finance alone is not enough to support long-term business success. Entrepreneurs require a sound understanding of credit, cash flow, tax compliance, regulatory requirements and risk management to build businesses that can grow with confidence.
Delivering the keynote address, Hofni Iipinge, Governor of the Oshana Region, said: “Today’s gathering is not simply a banking event. It is an investment in the resilience of our regional economy. SMEs are central to development because they create livelihoods, stimulate innovation and contribute to economic growth. Financial literacy, compliance and creditworthiness are not optional extras for entrepreneurs. They are business survival skills that help enterprises become credible, financeable and ready for larger opportunities.”
Nesdha De Jongh, head of SME at FNB Namibia, said resilient businesses are built on informed financial decision-making as much as commercial success.
“Business owners are operating in an environment where understanding your credit profile, maintaining good governance and meeting regulatory requirements have become increasingly important. Financial literacy gives entrepreneurs the confidence to make better decisions, identify opportunities and build businesses that are better prepared for future growth.”
The programme brought together experts from FNB Namibia, the Namibia Revenue Agency (NAMRA) and the Business and Intellectual Property Authority (BIPA), giving participants direct access to practical guidance from the institutions that play a central role in the business environment.
Simson Shivolo, acting manager of Northern Regional Operations at NAMRA, encouraged SMEs to view tax compliance as part of good business practice rather than simply a regulatory obligation.
“Businesses that maintain accurate records, submit returns on time and keep their registration information up to date are better placed to access opportunities, grow with confidence and contribute to Namibia’s economic development. We encourage businesses to make use of digital platforms such as ITAS to simplify their tax obligations.”
Elsie Shikindo, senior business registration officer at BIPA, highlighted the role that formal business registration and intellectual property protection play in supporting sustainable growth.
“Registering a business creates opportunities to access finance, attract investors, participate in tenders and establish credibility in the marketplace. As businesses grow and innovate, protecting intellectual property and remaining compliant become equally important.”
