OM SEED launched to spark entrepreneurial growth across country

The Old Mutual Foundation has officially opened applications for the latest edition of its flagship entrepreneurship programme, OM SEED: Seasons.

After fulfilling its commitment to reach all 14 regions in 2025, OM SEED now takes on a new shape in 2026: one national competition spanning all 14 regions and five SEED categories.

The new format opens the programme to a wider and more diverse group of entrepreneurs, reinforcing the Foundation’s commitment to supporting innovation, sustainable enterprise development and economic participation across the country.

OM SEED, which stands for Old Mutual Sustainable Economic Empowerment Drive, was established by the Old Mutual Foundation to equip entrepreneurs and grassroots businesses with the knowledge, skills, mentorship and resources needed to build sustainable enterprises and create lasting impact within their communities.

Over the years, OM SEED has supported Namibian entrepreneurs through business development, incubation, mentorship and financial support. With the introduction of OM SEED: Seasons, the programme has evolved to better reflect the diversity of entrepreneurship in Namibia and to make it clear that the initiative is not limited to agricultural businesses or traditional farming enterprises.

“Entrepreneurship in Namibia takes many forms. It can be found in a workshop, on a sports field, behind a camera, in a recycling initiative, in a small community business or in a young person’s big idea,” said Mignon du Preez, Old Mutual Namibia Group Marketing, Public Affairs and Sustainability Executive.

“Through OM SEED: Seasons, we want more Namibians to see themselves in this programme and understand that innovation, determination and potential are not limited by industry or location.

“By expanding OM SEED to all 14 regions, we are creating opportunities for entrepreneurs wherever they are and helping them turn their ideas into sustainable businesses that can contribute to economic growth and job creation.”

For the 2026 edition, entrepreneurs can apply under one of five Seasons, depending on the nature of their business, enterprise or idea.

SEED Level Up

Focused on youth entrepreneurship, including start-ups, grassroots enterprises, digital businesses and community-based ventures. Applicants for this category must be between 18 and 35 years old.

SEED Green

Designed for businesses and initiatives contributing to environmental sustainability, including renewable energy, recycling, waste management, sustainable agriculture, water conservation and green innovation.

SEED Play

Created for entrepreneurs and initiatives operating within the sports and fitness sector, including sports academies, coaching services, equipment businesses, community sport programmes and fitness enterprises.

SEED Made

Celebrates Namibia’s creative industries, including fashion, film, music, photography, visual arts, design and digital content creation.

SEED Manufacturing

Supports artisans and entrepreneurs involved in making, producing or manufacturing products, including woodworking, metal fabrication, furniture production, leather goods, engineering, food production and traditional crafts.

Applicants for SEED Green, SEED Play, SEED Made and SEED Manufacturing must be 18 years or older.

Taking OM SEED to all 14 regions

A key feature of OM SEED: Seasons is its national rollout across all 14 regions of Namibia. Through this expansion, the Old Mutual Foundation aims to reach entrepreneurs beyond traditional business centres and provide opportunities for grassroots innovators who are creating solutions, businesses and livelihoods within their communities.

Applications will remain open for three weeks, after which submissions will be assessed and a Top 10 will be selected from across the five Seasons and all 14 regions. The selected entrepreneurs will then embark on a business development and incubation journey that includes mentorship, business training and further assessment.

The programme will culminate in the selection of three final winners. The 2026 winners will receive: 1st Place: N$60 000, 2nd Place: N$40 000 and 3rd Place: N$30 000.

Beyond the financial prizes, participants will have the opportunity to strengthen their businesses through incubation, business development support and practical skills-building opportunities.

The introduction of Seasons forms part of the Foundation’s broader vision to make entrepreneurship support more inclusive, accessible and representative of Namibia’s diverse business landscape.

Whether an entrepreneur is building a digital start-up, producing handcrafted products, operating a sports enterprise, developing an environmentally sustainable solution, running a manufacturing business or growing a community-based venture, OM SEED: Seasons is designed to help them take the next step towards growth and sustainability.

“We want to reach entrepreneurs who may previously have assumed that OM SEED was not meant for them. Seasons is about breaking those perceptions and opening the door wider. We recognise that entrepreneurship looks different for every person, and we want to celebrate and support the many ways Namibians are creating opportunities, generating income and strengthening their communities,” adds Du Preez.

How to apply

Application forms will be available at selected Old Mutual branches across Namibia, enabling entrepreneurs to access and submit their applications within their local communities. Entrepreneurs can also access the application form by scanning the QR code available on Old Mutual Namibia’s social media platforms.

Applications close on 30 October 2026. The Old Mutual Foundation encourages eligible entrepreneurs from across Namibia to take advantage of the opportunity and submit their applications during the three-week application period.

“Through OM SEED: Seasons, the Old Mutual Foundation continues to invest in sustainable entrepreneurship, innovation and economic empowerment. By supporting small and medium enterprises, grassroots businesses and emerging entrepreneurs across all 14 regions, the Foundation is helping to build a more inclusive, resilient and prosperous Namibian economy,” she stated.

In the photo: Mignon du Preez, Old Mutual Namibia Group Marketing, Public Affairs and Sustainability Executive.