A programme which seeks to empower local entrepreneurs with skills to run their businesses effectively, will soon be rolled out.
The Olafika SME Development and Mentorship Programme will be launched on 09 August 2018 and the first intake is expected to be conducted during September.
Olafika, which loosely translated from Oshindonga means “the time has come”, is the brainchild of prominent entrepreneur Twapewa Kadhikwa and is being supported by Namibia Diamond Trading Company (NDTC) as part of its corporate social investment.
A media statement on the programme issued by Public Relations Consultant, Anna-Marie Molatudi on Tuesday said the programme is designed to assist, train and empower small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurs in their business undertakings.
The programme combines training on various business related topics with mentoring by experienced business people, which is expected to assist the entrepreneurs in running their enterprises.
Topics covered during the duration of the programme include understanding entrepreneurship; planning your business; managing finances and marketing and sales.
Under the programme, accomplished entrepreneurs, professionals and academics will render expert advice to SME owners, helping them lay a good foundation to develop their business, widen their exposure and expand business connections, thereby raising their competitiveness.
“Mentorship is key in the development of any individual, especially when starting or growing a business. Mentorship provides the mentee an opportunity to learn from an experienced person who walks the journey with them towards success,” Molatudi said.
The Olafika SME Development and Mentorship Programme has an annual intake of five SMEs per region, culminating into 70 SMEs per year.
The mentorship will take place over a three month period of intensive training and engagement. Once completed, NDTC will host a graduation ceremony.
Post-graduation, the NDTC will host the Olafika National SME expo leading to the Olafika National SME Awards.
In order to ensure continuity and culture of ‘each one, teach one’, an alumni association will be formed.
The programme will be offered through the use of Kadhikwa’s soon-to-be launched book, ‘Successful Entrepreneurship’.
The book will be launched on 09 August.
“Government will not absorb our unemployment levels. We must diversify our economy and empower our entrepreneurs in the various regions to create sustainable jobs, we must accelerate the entrepreneurship agenda,”
Kadhikwa said.