NNF opens doors for nature-based entrepreneurs

The Namibia Nature Foundation (NNF) has opened applications for the second phase of its Community-Based Natural Resource Business Marathon (CBNRMathon V2), an initiative designed to strengthen nature-based enterprises and support sustainable livelihoods in rural Namibia.

The programme combines business acceleration support, mentorship and grant funding to help entrepreneurs and community enterprises operating within community-based natural resource management structures expand and become more sustainable.

According to the NNF, applications are open to operational nature-based businesses within conservancies, community forests, fisheries reserves and other community-based organisations across the Omaheke, Kavango East, Kavango West, Zambezi, Erongo and Kunene regions.

The initiative seeks to unlock enterprise opportunities linked to conservation, sustainable natural resource management and rural development, while promoting the responsible use of Namibia’s natural resources.

CBNRMathon V2 builds on the first cohort of the programme, implemented between 2023 and 2025, which supported emerging enterprises in areas such as indigenous natural products, horticulture, leather production and value-added natural resource goods. The first phase also highlighted the importance of combining financial support with mentorship, business development training and improved market access.

The NNF said Namibia’s Community-Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) programme has long been recognised as a key driver of conservation and rural development.

It said conservancies, community forests, fisheries reserves and other community institutions have enabled communities to derive economic benefits from wildlife, tourism, forestry, fisheries, agriculture and indigenous natural products.

However, many rural entrepreneurs continue to face barriers to growth, including limited access to finance, weak market linkages, inadequate business development support and a lack of technical expertise.

The programme aims to address these challenges by supporting enterprises with strong potential to generate income while contributing to conservation and the sustainable management of natural resources.

Successful applicants will take part in a structured business acceleration programme and may qualify for grant funding of up to N$40 000 per project. Additional support includes entrepreneurship training, financial literacy and business management assistance, mentorship and technical advisory services, market access facilitation, business planning support, and guidance on branding and marketing.

The programme is open to individual entrepreneurs, community conservation enterprises, sustainable agriculture ventures, fisheries-related businesses, forestry and indigenous natural product enterprises, micro-tourism operators, and wildlife and livestock value-addition businesses.

Women-led enterprises, young people aged 18 to 34, persons with disabilities, marginalised communities and other vulnerable groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

The NNF said applicants must demonstrate that their enterprises support the sustainable use, management, conservation or value addition of natural resources.

Applications for CBNRMathon V2 close on 12 June 2026 at 17:00.