For many businesses, getting their products to the potential customers remains a challenge.  

Namibia’s tourism sector has been facing challenges of ensuring that its economic benefits reach local communities, young people, and small businesses while protecting the country's fragile natural and cultural resources.

Otjiwarongo Municipality has highlighted that it is still sourcing funds to set up an open market for street vendors scattered around the town.

Currently, Otjiwarongo is without a functional open market, which has left vendors trading along busy intersections and pathways.

The Community Skills Development Foundation (COSDEF) Oyetu Project Manager has warned that a lack of funding is preventing talented artisans from turning their skills into sustainable businesses.

COSDEF, through its Oyetu Project, hosted the 2026 Annual Craft Innovation Competition in Swakopmund.

More than ten shebeens have been shut down at Gam after failing to meet liquor licensing requirements.

Local business owners said the requirements, while lawful, do not reflect the realities on the ground in Gam Settlement, where inadequate basic infrastructure remains a daily challenge.

The Swakopmund Constituency Office has handed over business equipment worth N$168,000 to local entrepreneurs through the Constituency Development Fund Support Programme.

Small business entrepreneurs popularly known as “Order with Me” have met with Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare to raise their challenges.
 
Dr. Ngurare was joined by Finance Minister Erica Shafudah and the Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) Commissioner (NamRA), Sam Shivute.
 

The youth in Omuthiya are turning to self-employment initiatives, including the running of small businesses, in part to address unemployment experienced in the country.

The Swakopmund Constituency Development Fund has awarded machinery to boost twelve small businesses in the coastal town.

The handover of equipment, including sewing, printing, and washing machines, aims to empower local entrepreneurs and stimulate economic growth.

The disruption of businesses by the COVID-19 pandemic might have long passed, but some businesses have not yet fully recovered financially, especially in the informal sector.
In this insert, NBC News brings you some of the untold stories of the COVID-19 pandemic.