Young entrepreneurs shine at GS1 Namibia 'Meet the Buyer' event

The Franco-Namibian Cultural Centre in Windhoek was alive with energy, innovation and entrepreneurial drive as young entrepreneurs and small businesses took centre stage at the recent GS1 Namibia Meet the Buyer event.The initiative, spearheaded by GS1 Namibia in collaboration with the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), the Namibia Trade Forum, and the Namibia Network of the Cosmetics Industry (NANCi), served as a platform for local producers to connect directly with potential buyers and expand their market reach.Exhibitors showcased a variety of proudly Namibian goods, from food and beverages to beauty and wellness products.Among them was Tinashe Anifasi, a young entrepreneur selling "Khoaxa" – chilli-coated peanuts – who expressed how impactful the event had been for emerging business owners. “Starting out by yourself is difficult. Finding people willing to buy your product is a big challenge. This event brought people to us – it gave us exposure, connections, and opened doors we wouldn’t have accessed on our own.”Selma Paulus from NANCi echoed this sentiment, stating that the event played a critical role in helping small-scale manufacturers access mainstream retail and form lasting business relationships.Attendee Felicitah Mukura shared her excitement about the exhibition, saying: “I truly enjoyed the experience. I discovered so many new local businesses. One that stood out was a haircare brand called Rooted Beginnings. It was inspiring to see fellow young Namibians developing solutions for our own needs, like haircare that keeps our hair moisturised despite the ever-changing Namibian weather.”The event drew an impressive number of participants and visitors, reflecting the growing interest in supporting and uplifting local enterprises. It served not only as a marketplace but also as a networking space for building partnerships that could shape the future of Namibian commerce, with major retailers such as Agra, Checkers, Shoprite, Spar, and Model (formerly Pick n Pay) all present. – kariiue@nma.com.na

Young entrepreneurs shine at GS1 Namibia 'Meet the Buyer' event

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Namibian Sun 2025-09-17

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Young entrepreneurs shine at GS1 Namibia 'Meet the Buyer' event

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Namibian Sun 2025-09-17

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