The Olafika SME Development & Mentorship Programme is a structured Mentorship Programme designed to equip entrepreneurs with the necessary knowledge and skills needed for business success. The Programme is in partnership with the Namibia Diamond Trading Company, Konrad- Adenauer- Stiftung, African Leadership Institute, Ministry of Rural & Urban Development, Twapewa Kadhikwa Institute of Entrepreneurship & SME Development.
The Instagram live was hosted by Belinda M, who is from Olafika SME Development & Mentorship Programme Team and had Ms. Claudia Gossow- Programme Manager at Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) and Risto Ashikoto- Olafika Class of 2021 student, is the CEO of Namaloevera.
The discussion kicked off with the disturbing headline from The New Era titled, Youth unemployment expected to reach 50%. Most of the young people have lost hope in themselves and this has been mostly due to the worldwide pandemic Covid 19 which has caused many economies to collapse. The only way for the youth to restore the hope is by knowing that we all have the ability to succeed, and there is no Messiah coming to save us and we should start from where we are.
Claudia Gossow, Programme Manager (KAS) said, ‘it is crucial for Namibia to start recognizing its entrepreneurs as they can alleviate the economic development in the country.’ She went on to explain ways of forging a roadmap to economic independence. Namibia heavily relies on importing basics from South Africa, and this is a limiting factor on the economy. She emphasized that Namibia should start making use of the abundant resources, diversity of culture and increase visibility on Digital platforms.
The young entrepreneur stated that it is time for the youth in Namibia to stop blaming the government, instead they should start thinking out of the box, change their mindsets, start coming up with innovative ideas for startups, and he encouraged the youth to start with what they have, and enhance their entrepreneurial skills by educating themselves, as well as networking with other entrepreneurs.
In her final remarks, Ms. Claudia Gossow mentioned that it is time for Namibians to start thinking sustainably in the entrepreneurial space, that is thinking forward. This is the time to utilize the environment, unique landscape as well as promoting domestic tourism.
For more information kindly watch the Instagram video @olafika_mentorship_programme.
Olafika
SME Development
