Niël Terblanché
The United States African Development Foundation (USADF) has announced a new round of funding aimed at strengthening the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) sector in Namibia.
The initiative pledged approximately N$176 million to support Namibian entrepreneurs, particularly women and youth on Thursday.
Speaking at the launch of the Market Access Support Programme in Windhoek, USADF President and chief executive officer, Travis Adkins highlighted the importance of this new round of funding.
He stressed that the initiative aligns with the foundation’s commitment to ensuring that no Namibian is left behind in the nation’s economic empowerment efforts.
“The programme is designed to add value to Namibian products, with a particular focus on those with export potential,” he said.
In addition to the substantial funding commitment, USADF also announced a new grant of N$4.4 million to further support the Market Access Support Programme.
This initiative aims to provide entrepreneurs with the necessary tools and resources to create jobs, alleviate poverty, and contribute to the country’s economic growth.
The USADF’s partnership with Namibia has been instrumental in supporting grassroots enterprises and fostering sustainable economic development.
The foundation has a long history of investing in African-led initiatives that improve livelihoods, and this latest funding round is expected to positively impact Namibia’s SME sector.
The USADF’s latest round of assistance comes as part of its broader commitment to economic development in Africa.
The foundation has been actively involved in Namibia for several years, supporting various initiatives aimed at enhancing economic opportunities for marginalized communities.
This latest funding round builds on previous efforts, with a specific focus on creating market access and enhancing the export potential of Namibian products.
Adkins said that the strategic importance of this funding supports economic growth and also aligns with broader U.S. efforts to foster sustainable development across Africa.
He added that the partnership between the USADF and the Namibian government is seen as a model for how international cooperation can drive meaningful change at the local level, empowering communities and building resilience against economic challenges.
