FNB Namibia and DHL Namibia have partnered to help small and medium enterprises (SMEs) access finance, business support, and export markets as they seek to grow.
The two companies signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) yesterday, bringing together DHL Namibia’s GoTrade programme and FNB Namibia’s financial services to support entrepreneurs looking to expand beyond Namibia.
Speaking at the signing, FNB Namibia chief executive officer Conrad de Jongh said many SMEs still face two major obstacles: access to finance and access to markets.
“SMEs are the heartbeat of our economy. Yet we also know that the path for an SME is rarely smooth. Market access and financing are two sides of the same coin. Solving one without the other only takes an SME halfway. That is precisely why this partnership exists,” he said.
Under the agreement, SMEs participating in DHL’s GoTrade programme will receive training, mentorship, logistics support and guidance on exporting their products and services to international markets.
FNB Namibia will support businesses with financing solutions, financial literacy programmes and business advisory services to help them manage and grow their operations.
De Jongh said the partnership will help businesses turn international trade opportunities into long-term growth.
“What makes this partnership special is not any single product or programme. It’s how the pieces fit together. An SME learns to trade internationally through GoTrade, and FNB provides the financing, financial skills and advice to turn that learning into real growth. The result is an export-ready, internationally competitive business,” he said.
DHL Namibia managing director Dirk S. van Doorn said the partnership will provide SMEs with greater support as they develop their businesses.
“We are delighted to enter into an MoU with FNB, knowing that our SME sector will be able to benefit from the FNB programmes,” he said.
Although SMEs play an important role in Namibia’s economy by creating jobs and supporting economic growth, many businesses struggle to secure funding and to expand beyond the local market. Limited access to finance and export opportunities remains one of the biggest challenges facing small businesses. The FNB-DHL partnership aims to address these challenges by combining financial support with export training and logistics services.
The two companies said that businesses taking part in the programme will not automatically qualify for funding. Any financing will remain subject to FNB Namibia’s standard credit assessment and approval process.
They encouraged SMEs looking to grow and enter export markets to join the DHL GoTrade programme and engage FNB Namibia for financial and business support.
-newsroom@nepc.com.na
The post FNB, DHL partner to help SMEs reach export markets appeared first on New Era.