The Omaheke Region's first place winner, Venencia Olobilwe of Vena Trading cc.
The Omaheke Region's first place winner, Venencia Olobilwe of Vena Trading cc.

OM SEED crowns Omaheke’s brightest business stars

STAFF REPORTER
The Old Mutual Foundation proudly announces the Top 3 winners for the Omaheke Region in the final edition of its flagship entrepreneurship initiative, the Old Mutual Sustainable, Economic and Empowerment Drive (OM SEED). After a rigorous selection process, these outstanding entrepreneurs were chosen for their innovation, resilience, and potential to uplift their communities:







Venencia Olobilwe – Vena Trading cc (Retail shop and catering services)

Erenfriede Mbaha – Tjijandjeua Garden cc (Agricultural Farmer)

Ndiwedha Kaxumba – Cattle Country Meat Masters (Meat processing and sales)





These winners will each receive seed capital, technical mentorship, and tailored business support to help scale their businesses and enhance their long-term sustainability.



“Omaheke is home to dreamers, doers, and determined entrepreneurs who are proving that big ideas can thrive even in the most rural corners of Namibia,” said Mignon du Preez, Group Marketing, Public Affairs and Sustainability Executive at Old Mutual Namibia. “We are incredibly proud of our Top 3 winners. Their commitment to community impact and sustainable growth shows exactly what OM SEED was created to support.”







Now in its fourth and final round, OM SEED was launched in 2022 as a transformative platform to boost grassroots entrepreneurship across Namibia. Through funding, mentorship, and business training, the initiative has already supported over 100 entrepreneurs under the Foundation’s Community Development pillar, fostering economic participation and job creation at a local level.



The 2025 edition received 116 applications from the Omaheke, Otjozondjupa, Omusati, and Kunene regions. Regional evaluations were carried out through a fair and inclusive process involving interviews and on-site assessments, supported by strategic partners: the Financial Literacy Initiative (FLI) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).







The Foundation will continue announcing winners in the remaining regions in the coming weeks, as it concludes the OM SEED journey under this year’s theme: Rooted in Growth for Sustainability.

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-28

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