Empowering 150 Future Entrepreneurs in Namibia

Poject Impact Report 6/2026
Project Name: Empower 150 Future Entrepreneurs in Namibia
Project Leader: Johannes Shikuloh
Organization: After School Programme for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (ASPOVC)
Reporting Period: Current Three-Month Reporting Period

Project Impact

During this three-month reporting period, the Empower 150 Future Entrepreneurs in Namibia project
continued to provide practical coaching, material support, exposure, and community engagement to
strengthen entrepreneurship skills among young and emerging entrepreneurs.
Entrepreneurship Coaching and Material Support
A total of 10 entrepreneurs received entrepreneurship coaching and material support during the reporting period.

The support was tailored to help beneficiaries strengthen their practical
income-generating activities and improve their ability to develop sustainable small businesses.
Materials and equipment provided included:

•Wood-cutting machines, supporting beneficiaries engaged in wood-related production and
entrepreneurship.
•Sewing machines, supporting tailoring and garment-related income-generating activities.
•Garment materials, enabling beneficiaries to practise and expand their clothing-related
activities.
Alongside the material assistance, beneficiaries received coaching aimed at improving their
understanding of business development, planning, and self-reliance.

Practical Exposure and New Skills

The project also assisted 5 entrepreneurs with transportation to visit another project initiative within
the region. The visit provided an opportunity for participants to observe practical activities,
exchange experiences, and learn from other entrepreneurs.

During the exposure visit, participants gained or strengthened practical knowledge in:
•Product and design development.
•Marketing and customer engagement.
•Entrepreneurial motivation and confidence-building.
The exposure helped participants understand how creativity, marketing, and determination can
contribute to the growth of small businesses. The project encourages beneficiaries to adapt the skills
and ideas gained during these visits to their own local circumstances.

Community Engagement

The project team continued engaging community members to encourage local support for emerging
entrepreneurs. Community support is important for creating an environment where young
entrepreneurs can access local markets, networks, encouragement, and opportunities.
These engagements also helped increase awareness of the importance of supporting young people to become economically self-reliant.

Engagement with Local Schools

The project also consulted the local schools to identify development needs among learners studying
entrepreneurship-related subjects.
The consultations are intended to help identify gaps in practical learning, learning materials,
exposure, mentorship, and entrepreneurship development. The information gathered will guide
future efforts to complement school-based entrepreneurship education with practical experiences
and community-based opportunities.
This engagement is particularly important because learners need opportunities to connect
entrepreneurship concepts learned in the classroom with real-life business activities.

Challenges

The project continues to face financial constraints, which limit the number of entrepreneurs who can
receive equipment, materials, transportation assistance, coaching, and practical exposure.
Despite these challenges, the project has continued supporting beneficiaries with the resources
available and prioritizing activities that provide practical and lasting benefits.

Appreciation to Edwin Boel

We sincerely appreciate Edwin Boel, a co-funder of the project, for his generosity and continued
support.
His contribution has helped keep the project activities going during a period of significant financial
constraints. Through this support, ASPOVC has been able to provide practical assistance,
entrepreneurship materials, coaching, and learning opportunities to beneficiaries.
We are deeply grateful to Edwin Boel for believing in the potential of young entrepreneurs and for
helping us continue this important work.

Looking Ahead

During the next reporting period, the project aims to strengthen entrepreneurship coaching and
practical learning, increase opportunities for entrepreneurs to gain exposure and exchange skills,
continue engaging local schools and communities, and seek additional partnerships and funding.
ASPOVC remains committed to working toward the project's overall goal of empowering 150 future
entrepreneurs in Namibia with practical skills, confidence, resources, and opportunities to become
more self-reliant and contribute to the economic development of their communities.