Standard Bank Growth Series 2026 Launched to Empower Informal Businesses

Standard Bank Growth Series 2026 Launched to Empower Informal Businesses. Mayor Sakarias Uunona today presided over the official activation of the Standard Bank Growth Series 2026 on “Building Bankable Informal Businesses Through Structure, Scale and Partnership,” on behalf of Khomas Regional Governor Hon. Sam Nujoma, at the Khomas Regional Council.

The programme, led by Standard Bank Namibia in partnership with the Namibia Investment and Finance Academy, speaks directly to the realities of Windhoek and the Khomas Region, where the informal economy plays a vital role in sustaining livelihoods, creating jobs, and driving local communities forward.

By equipping informal businesses with practical skills, mentorship, improved financial management, and pathways to access finance, the initiative aims to transform small-scale enterprises into stronger, more resilient ventures. For residents, this translates into sustainable incomes, job creation, and inclusive economic growth that directly strengthens communities and contributes to long-term socio-economic development across Windhoek and the Khomas Region.

Mayor Uunona emphasized the importance of supporting informal businesses, noting that structured growth and partnerships are essential for unlocking their full potential. The Growth Series is designed to provide entrepreneurs with the tools to scale their operations, formalize their practices, and position themselves for greater opportunities in the broader economy.

The launch underscores Standard Bank’s commitment to being a connector of positive change, aligning financial empowerment with community development. As the programme unfolds, it is expected to foster stronger collaboration between financial institutions, local government, and entrepreneurs, ensuring that informal businesses are not left behind in Namibia’s economic transformation journey.