By: Annakleta Haikera
Residents and entrepreneurs of Kavango East have questioned the Development Bank of Namibia’s (DBN) impact in the region, calling for greater transparency on how much of the bank’s financing has benefited local business activities.
The concerns were raised during a DBN Business Open Session held at the Rundu Trade Fair Hall on Thursday, where the bank engaged the local business community on its financing opportunities.
Speaking at the session, DBN Chief Executive Officer Titus Ndove revealed that the bank has disbursed more than N$22 billion in financing over the past 15 years, supporting key infrastructure projects, including roads and power plants, while also providing funding of up to N$10 million to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
Ndove acknowledged that many Namibians are still unfamiliar with the bank’s products, saying the outreach sessions are aimed at improving awareness and ensuring more entrepreneurs benefit from the available financing.
Officially opening the session, Kavango East Governor Hamunyera Hambyuka encouraged participants to engage actively with the bank by asking questions, describing the platform as an important opportunity for businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs to better understand DBN’s products and services.
However, the session ended with sharp criticism from a Rundu resident.
Resident Romanus Kandjimi questioned the bank’s visible impact in Kavango East and West.
Kandjimi asked DBN to disclose how many bread bakeries in the two Kavango regions had been financed by the bank, how many DBN funded construction companies are owned by entrepreneurs from the region, and how many local trucking and transport businesses have received funding?
Moreover, the resident asked how many companies constructing schools in the region are owned by people from Kavango, and how many service stations in Kavango have been financed by DBN?
Other residents echoed similar concerns.
Rundu resident Martha Shikongo said many young entrepreneurs in Kavango continue to struggle to access finance despite the bank’s commitment to supporting SMEs.
“We want to know what challenges are preventing local businesses from qualifying and what the bank is doing to change that,” she said.
Local entrepreneur Petrus Haimbanga said there is a widespread perception that DBN financing benefits businesses in other parts of the country more than those in Kavango.
“We need transparency on how many loans have been approved in Kavango East and West and which sectors have benefited,” he said.
Another resident, Selma Kanyanga, welcomed the bank’s engagement with the community but said residents now want to see tangible results.
“More local businesses should be financed so they can create jobs and contribute to the region’s economic growth,” she said.
The information session formed part of DBN’s nationwide efforts to increase awareness of its financing products and strengthen engagement with entrepreneurs and businesses across Namibia.
