Celebrating World MSME Day 2025
Economic backbone
Hasekiel Johannes
On 27 June 2025, the world gathers once again to commemorate World Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSME) Day. This annual event, declared by the United Nations
General Assembly in 2017, is more than just a symbolic occasion, it is a global call to recognise the indispensable role of MSMEs in job creation, economic growth, innovation, and sustainable development. For Namibia, a nation forged in unity and freedom since its independence in 1990, this day carries particular resonance as we reflect on our journey and the ongoing work to empower local enterprises.
As a proud member of the United Nations, Namibia benefits from access to global platforms, networks, and frameworks that promote inclusive economic development. MSME Day is one
such opportunity. It reminds us that although we operate within our own national context, we are also part of a broader movement to transform economies from the ground up by
strengthening the backbone of all communities, small businesses.
Namibia’s commitment to MSME development, however, has not always been structured. While informal support and fragmented initiatives have existed for decades, it wasn’t until the
introduction of the National MSME Policy 2016–2024 that the country took a more coordinated approach. This policy marked a turning point, building on lessons from both international best practices and past shortcomings in the Namibian support system. It signified an understanding that MSMEs are not only job creators but also drivers of innovation and inclusive growth.
Establishing an MSME agency
Namibia should consider the establishment of a dedicated MSME agency, equipped with resources, autonomy, and a clear mission. This agency must go beyond simply ticking donor boxes or satisfying international expectations. We must put our money where our mouth is. If we genuinely believe in youth led businesses, the Youth Fund that has been discussed for years must be operationalised and directed toward viable youth enterprises, not in theory, but in real-time. Forget about chasing unicorns or “safe bets”; let’s fund the businesses that are already making an impact, no matter how small.
As we mark World MSME Day 2025, Namibia must renew its commitment to real, transformative support for its small business sector. This is not just a moral or political imperative, it is an economic necessity. Our entrepreneurs are not waiting for charity; they are waiting for opportunity. And if we can create the right conditions, support mechanisms, and funding pathways, there is no doubt that Namibian MSMEs will rise to meet and exceed global standards.
In celebrating this day, we celebrate resilience, innovation, and ambition. Let us not stop at celebration. Let this be a national call to action — one that ensures MSMEs in every village,
town, and city across Namibia are empowered to thrive. Happy World MSME Day 2025. Let’s keep building. Let’s keep believing. Let’s invest in our future, one small business at a time.
*Hasekiel Johannes has over 12 years of experience in MSME development and business innovation. He currently serves as a consultant for MSME Market Access and Export Promotion at the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board, where he supports entrepreneurs in scaling their businesses for success. The views expressed are his own.*
On 27 June 2025, the world gathers once again to commemorate World Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSME) Day. This annual event, declared by the United Nations
General Assembly in 2017, is more than just a symbolic occasion, it is a global call to recognise the indispensable role of MSMEs in job creation, economic growth, innovation, and sustainable development. For Namibia, a nation forged in unity and freedom since its independence in 1990, this day carries particular resonance as we reflect on our journey and the ongoing work to empower local enterprises.
As a proud member of the United Nations, Namibia benefits from access to global platforms, networks, and frameworks that promote inclusive economic development. MSME Day is one
such opportunity. It reminds us that although we operate within our own national context, we are also part of a broader movement to transform economies from the ground up by
strengthening the backbone of all communities, small businesses.
Namibia’s commitment to MSME development, however, has not always been structured. While informal support and fragmented initiatives have existed for decades, it wasn’t until the
introduction of the National MSME Policy 2016–2024 that the country took a more coordinated approach. This policy marked a turning point, building on lessons from both international best practices and past shortcomings in the Namibian support system. It signified an understanding that MSMEs are not only job creators but also drivers of innovation and inclusive growth.
Establishing an MSME agency
Namibia should consider the establishment of a dedicated MSME agency, equipped with resources, autonomy, and a clear mission. This agency must go beyond simply ticking donor boxes or satisfying international expectations. We must put our money where our mouth is. If we genuinely believe in youth led businesses, the Youth Fund that has been discussed for years must be operationalised and directed toward viable youth enterprises, not in theory, but in real-time. Forget about chasing unicorns or “safe bets”; let’s fund the businesses that are already making an impact, no matter how small.
As we mark World MSME Day 2025, Namibia must renew its commitment to real, transformative support for its small business sector. This is not just a moral or political imperative, it is an economic necessity. Our entrepreneurs are not waiting for charity; they are waiting for opportunity. And if we can create the right conditions, support mechanisms, and funding pathways, there is no doubt that Namibian MSMEs will rise to meet and exceed global standards.
In celebrating this day, we celebrate resilience, innovation, and ambition. Let us not stop at celebration. Let this be a national call to action — one that ensures MSMEs in every village,
town, and city across Namibia are empowered to thrive. Happy World MSME Day 2025. Let’s keep building. Let’s keep believing. Let’s invest in our future, one small business at a time.
*Hasekiel Johannes has over 12 years of experience in MSME development and business innovation. He currently serves as a consultant for MSME Market Access and Export Promotion at the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board, where he supports entrepreneurs in scaling their businesses for success. The views expressed are his own.*
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