The Old Mutual Foundation has revealed the top three entrepreneurial champions from the Otjozondjupa region in the concluding chapter of the Old Mutual Sustainable, Economic and Empowerment Drive (OM SEED). These driven individuals stood out for their innovation, community value, and determination to grow small businesses into engines of local opportunity.
Taking the top spot is Kennedy Tobias, founder of Kensamos Engineering cc, a business dedicated to repairing electrical appliances and creating technical solutions for everyday challenges.
Erna Naises, a skilled tailor and co-founder of Two Sisters cc, earned second place with her passion for creating bespoke clothing and empowering women through design.
The third prize was awarded to Maria Shigwedha of Green Pastures Investment cc, whose enterprise ensures fresh produce reaches markets across the region, supporting both farmers and food security.
“These Otjozondjupa winners are proof that resilience and resourcefulness are alive and well in our communities,” said Mignon du Preez, Group Marketing, Public Affairs and Sustainability Executive at Old Mutual Namibia. “From technical repairs to textile design and food distribution, their businesses solve real problems and represent the heartbeat of grassroots innovation.”
As part of their prize, each winner will receive seed capital, targeted business development support, and one-on-one mentorship to help expand their impact and secure long-term growth.
This announcement marks another milestone in OM SEED’s three-year journey to strengthen entrepreneurship at the community level. Since 2022, the initiative has empowered over 100 entrepreneurs across Namibia through funding, mentorship, and strategic training aligned with Old Mutual Foundation’s commitment to economic inclusion.
The final OM SEED cycle received 116 entries from four focus regions: Omaheke, Otjozondjupa, Omusati, and Kunene. Finalists were selected through a transparent review process involving interviews and site visits, conducted in collaboration with key partners including the Financial Literacy Initiative (FLI) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Winners from the remaining regions will be revealed in the coming weeks as OM SEED closes its powerful final chapter under the 2025 theme: Rooted in Growth for Sustainability.
