As entrepreneurship has flourished in Namibia, so has its GEW celebrations. An increased level of participation allows GEN Namibia to collect data on how people engaged during GEW, providing new insights on the Namibian startup ecosystem and how to better promote entrepreneurship in the country.
The opening event that celebrates entrepreneurs annually for their contribution to the economy, the Namibian Business Hall of Fame, had the honour to induct 8 Laureates and 7 Emerging Entrepreneurs. The business community of Namibia had the opportunity to meet representatives from Oracle’s NetSuite software company. A presentation about the benefits of the NetSuite program, was hosted by the Regional Sales Director NetSuite, Oracle Middle East and Africa, Mr. Aumesh Hurry. This was another highlight of GEW 2018 in Namibia. A new partner for GEN Namibia and support towards the ecosystem.
This year’s GEW celebrations included SMEs and entrepreneurship development organizations, educational institutions, government agencies, incubators, accelerators and – most importantly – entrepreneurs. The new kid on the block, Dololo an urban co-working space campus, hosted the RAW activity at their new campus for entrepreneurs.
A first for GEN Namibia; was when we were invited to the opening of GEW in Rwanda. We had three representatives from GEN Namibia attending the event in Kigali, Rwanda. A board member Ms. Helena Amadhila, the Managing Director of GEN Namibia Mrs. Johanna Cloete, and Mr. Eino Kanime an entrepreneur. We should really support each other like this. Next year we hope to see GEW Rwanda hosts visiting Namibia.
Several other activities that took place were caucus at the Wing It Diner, Introduction to Kenyan cuisine ‘nyamachoma’ to Namibians while chatting away at potential entrepreneurial opportunities. A special session was held by GEN Namibia on how to connect the rural areas in Namibia with the rest of the country via internet. Concerned citizens and entrepreneurs attended with an option to become involved in projects to address the need for connectivity.
