DBN opens applications for the 2026 Innovation Awards

Staff Writer

The Development Bank of Namibia (DBN) has announced that applications for the 2026 DBN Innovation Awards will open on 16 September.

The awards form part of the bank’s flagship annual Good Business & Innovation Awards, which advance DBN’s mandate to promote sustainable economic growth by recognising DBN-financed enterprises that have delivered on their business commitments and innovators developing practical solutions to Namibia’s development challenges.

The Good Business Awards recognise outstanding DBN-financed large enterprises and SMEs that demonstrate sound and responsible business practices, sustainability, and meaningful contributions to Namibia’s socio-economic development.

Eligible businesses will be assessed on whether they have fulfilled or exceeded the commitments made in their original funding applications and business plans.

The Innovation Awards will recognise new or significantly improved ideas, products, services, processes, and business models in four priority sectors: energy; tourism and hospitality; manufacturing; and land and housing.

DBN said it is seeking practical, sustainable and scalable innovations that can create jobs, strengthen local industries, improve access to essential services and unlock new economic opportunities across Namibia.

Commenting on the awards, Jerome Mutumba, DBN chief of marketing and corporate Affairs, said: “Namibia’s progress depends on businesses that deliver responsibly and innovators who are bold enough to develop new solutions to our national challenges. These awards recognise the commitment, ingenuity and determination required to transform opportunities into sustainable enterprises and meaningful development impact. Through the Good Business & Innovation Awards, DBN is recognising those who not only imagine progress, but actively deliver it.”

At the 2025 Good Business & Innovation Awards, Innovation Award winner Lizwise Investment received N$400 000 to support the growth and expansion of its Mahangu Pasta business.

This year’s awards are expected to offer even greater opportunities, with an enhanced prize package to be announced in due course.

The winner and runner-up will also be required to participate in the DBN Mentoring and Coaching Programme, through which they will receive guidance and support to strengthen and grow their enterprises.

Winners will be announced at the 2026 DBN Good Business & Innovation Awards scheduled for November 2026.