Niël Terblanché
Swakopmund is poised to become a hub of entrepreneurial innovation as Micro, Small, and Medium (MSM) enterprises from across the country prepare to converge for the highly anticipated second edition of the K2G NextGen Entrepreneurs Showcase.
The K2G NextGen Entrepreneurs project is dedicated to empowering youth and women-owned MSM enterprises, providing them with tailored opportunities to expand market access and support capacity building, thus helping drive economic activity in their respective regions.
Slated for later this week, the event in Swakopmund will be hosted by the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) and follows the success of its inaugural event held in Tsumeb earlier this year.
The showcase is set to bring together over 45 of Namibia’s most innovative and forward-thinking entrepreneurs.
It will provide a platform for these entrepreneurs to display their products and services while facilitating networking with other business support organizations, including GS1 Namibia and Team Namibia, among others.
The anticipated displays will encompass a diverse array of products and services, ranging from agriculture and manufacturing to ICT and renewable energy.
The crucial role well-supported MSM enterprises play in a flourishing economy, this month’s event will focus on the need for the right type of support and mentorship to facilitate their growth, a role in which the NIPDB is instrumental.
The keynote address and official inauguration of the expo will be delivered by the Erongo Governor, Neville André.
In July of this year, the NIPDB announced that popular Namibian artist, TopCheri, had been appointed as the new brand ambassador for the 2023 Know2Grow (K2G) NextGen Entrepreneurs Showcase.
The NIPDB said that the collaboration with TopCheri is a celebration of youth, entrepreneurship, and innovation, emphasizing the creative industry giant’s role in this endeavour.
The NIPDB explained that the showcase will provide entrepreneurs from all over Namibia with an opportunity to showcase their business offerings, engage with various industry stakeholders, and network with fellow young entrepreneurs.
The showcase is an annual market access and capacity-building platform designed to drive the development and acceleration of innovative businesses led by young entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 35.
In addition to showcasing their products and services, MSMEs will have the added benefit of attending various seminars and workshops aimed at sharing information about managing their businesses, while B2B retail engagements will focus on enabling business owners to get their products on retail shelves.
The K2G NextGen Entrepreneurs Showcase promises to be a significant event fostering entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic growth in Namibia, making Swakopmund the centre of attention for this vibrant and dynamic business community.
