First National Bank (FNB) Namibia convened entrepreneurs, government regulators, and corporate leaders in Ongwediva for an SME Financial Literacy Day to help small and medium enterprises (SMEs) build long-term financial resilience.
Held under the theme “Building a resilient business: Strengthening credit, compliance, and risk awareness,” the seminar focused on delivering practical tools to help business owners improve financial management, maintain regulatory compliance, and navigate credit access.
Recognizing SMEs as critical engines of economic growth and job creation in northern Namibia, the initiative provided business owners with direct access to financial experts and regulatory institutions.
Hosting the event in Ongwediva reflects FNB Namibia’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurs across the country. As one of northern Namibia’s busiest commercial centres, the town provides an important meeting point for businesses that contribute to regional trade, employment and economic growth.
Delivering the keynote address, Hon. Hofni Alugodhi Iipinge, Governor of the Oshana Region, said: “Today’s gathering is not simply a banking event. It is an investment in the resilience of our regional economy. SMEs are central to development because they create livelihoods, stimulate innovation and contribute to economic growth. Financial literacy, compliance and creditworthiness are not optional extras for entrepreneurs. They are business survival skills that help enterprises become credible, financeable and ready for larger opportunities.”
Nesdha De Jongh, Head of SME at FNB Namibia, said resilient businesses are built on informed financial decision-making as much as commercial success.
“Business owners are operating in an environment where understanding your credit profile, maintaining good governance and meeting regulatory requirements have become increasingly important. Financial literacy gives entrepreneurs the confidence to make better decisions, identify opportunities and build businesses that are better prepared for future growth.”
The programme brought together experts from FNB Namibia, the Namibia Revenue Agency (NAMRA) and the Business and Intellectual Property Authority (BIPA), giving participants direct access to practical guidance from the institutions that play a central role in the business environment.
Simson Shivolo, Acting Manager: Northern Regional Operations at NAMRA, encouraged SMEs to view tax compliance as part of good business practice rather than simply a regulatory obligation.
“Businesses that maintain accurate records, submit returns on time and keep their registration information up to date are better placed to access opportunities, grow with confidence and contribute to Namibia’s economic development. We encourage businesses to make use of digital platforms such as ITAS to simplify their tax obligations.”
Elsie Shikindo, Senior Business Registration Officer at BIPA, highlighted the role that formal business registration and intellectual property protection play in supporting sustainable growth.
“Registering a business creates opportunities to access finance, attract investors, participate in tenders and establish credibility in the marketplace. As businesses grow and innovate, protecting intellectual property and remaining compliant become equally important.”
FNB Namibia said initiatives such as SME Financial Literacy Day form part of its broader approach to supporting entrepreneurs beyond traditional banking by providing access to knowledge, practical tools and specialist expertise.
The bank’s work in the SME sector was recently recognised when FNB Namibia was named Best SME Bank in Namibia at the Global Banking & Finance Awards 2026. The award reflects its continued investment in serving entrepreneurs across all 14 regions through financial solutions, digital banking services and business development initiatives.
By bringing together financial institutions, regulators and business leaders, FNB Namibia aims to strengthen collaboration across the SME ecosystem and equip entrepreneurs with the knowledge needed to build businesses that are financially resilient, compliant and positioned for long-term growth.
