Standard Bank Blue Growth Series Graduates 68 Entrepreneurs

Staff Writer

Sixty-eight Namibian entrepreneurs have graduated from the 2026 Blue Growth Series, a business development programme delivered through a partnership between Standard Bank Namibia and the Namibia Investment and Finance Academy (NIFA), further strengthening the country’s pipeline of growth-ready small and medium enterprises.

Now in its second year, the Blue Growth Series has expanded from 40 participating enterprises in 2025 to almost 80 in 2026, bringing the total number of businesses supported to nearly 120 over the past two years.

The programme is designed to help entrepreneurs move beyond survival and towards sustainable growth by combining business development, market access opportunities and pathways to finance.

At a time when SMEs continue to play a critical role in job creation, innovation and economic diversification, the programme focuses on equipping entrepreneurs with the practical tools needed to strengthen business performance, improve investment readiness and unlock new market opportunities.

Implemented by NIFA, with Future Media as media partner, the Blue Growth Series goes beyond conventional business training.

Participants receive access to subsidised management accounts, business advisory support, assistance in preparing business profiles and funding applications, and opportunities to participate in relevant SME market-access events.

A significant feature of the programme is its deliberate focus on connecting entrepreneurs with both markets and capital.

Through these interventions, participating businesses are better positioned to secure opportunities for growth while building the systems and financial records required to access funding.

Hellen Amupolo, executive officer of business and commercial banking at Standard Bank Namibia said the programme reflects the bank’s belief that entrepreneurship is one of the most effective pathways to inclusive economic growth.

NIFA chief executive officer and founder, Arinze Okafor, said the programme’s success lies in its practical approach to enterprise development.

“Our objective is to help entrepreneurs build businesses that are resilient, competitive and investment-ready. The Blue Growth Series provides participants with practical business skills and direct exposure to potential funders and markets, ensuring that learning translates into real opportunities for growth.”

The 2026 cohort brought together entrepreneurs from eight regions across Namibia, with women comprising 54% of participants and youth under the age of 35 accounting for 53%.

Early programme outcomes indicate tangible business impact. Among surveyed participants, 42 reported increased business income, 16 opened Standard Bank business accounts and five successfully accessed financing.