The Development Bank of Namibia (DBN) has introduced a new financing facility in Windhoek called “DBN For Her.” This initiative is specifically designed to provide capital to businesses that are entirely owned by women. The programme aims to help these entrepreneurs start and scale sustainable companies through accessible and development-focused finance. A significant portion of the funding comes from a partnership with the African Development Bank (AfDB), which has contributed N$400 million to the cause.
Eligible businesses include small, medium and large enterprises across all economic sectors in Namibia. To qualify, a firm must be fully women-owned and have a workforce of between 5 and 300 employees. The facility offers loans from N150,000 to N10 million at prime interest rates. One of the key benefits is a 12-month grace period where no interest is charged. To make the process easier for those who lack traditional security, DBN is accepting credit guarantees and project assets as collateral.
During the launch, Finance Minister Ericah Shafudah spoke about the importance of removing the hurdles that women face in the financial world. “DBN For Her represents a deliberate and strategic response to structural imbalances in our economy. It is not only about access to finance, but about ensuring that women become active drivers of economic growth, job creation, and national development,” she said.
The Minister of Gender Equality and Child Welfare, Emma Kantema, also praised the move. She stated: “Empowering women is not an act of charity; it is an act of justice, an investment in progress, and a foundation for a more prosperous and equitable society. When women are given access to opportunities, resources, and support, entire communities are uplifted, economies are strengthened, and nations are transformed.”
The “DBN For Her” project fits into wider regional and continental goals, such as Namibia’s Sixth National Development Plan and the SADC Women’s Economic Empowerment Framework. Evangelina Nailenge, the DBN Board Chairperson, explained that the bank is taking a deliberate step toward inclusive economic participation. She believes that without these targeted solutions, women could be unintentionally excluded from the national economy. The bank hopes this intervention will turn more women from job seekers into job creators. Interested business owners can now submit applications at any DBN branch or via their official website.
