FirstRand Foundation supports mentorship and business skills training

FNB Business division’s new business development manager Alexzander Shikemeni on behalf of the foundation emphasised that SMEs in Namibia form the backbone of the economy, employ quite a number of the workforce and contribute significantly to the country’s GDP.

He added: “A vibrant and thriving SME sector is important as it makes our economy more resilient to shocks and provides a variety of meaningful jobs for Namibians.”

Claudine Mouton of SMEs Compete expressed her gratitude towards FNB and the FirstRand Namibia Foundation for their ongoing support over the past 13 years. “The contribution from the FirstRand Foundation now covers about 20% of our annual cost to run our operations and related programmes. Because of this contribution SMEs Compete has been able to keep our doors open and provide much needed service to Namibian entrepreneurs.”

One of the entrepreneurs present at the handover, Erastus Amenya, of Ondje Trading Enterprises cc said: "I only had an idea with no business plan and experience. I am very thankful for the business training support that I received from SMEs Compete, through the FirstRand Namibia Foundation. My business is growing every day from strength to strength."