The Namibia Tourism Board (NTB) and First National Bank of Namibia (FNB Namibia) have entered into a strategic partnership aimed at accelerating the growth, sustainability, and formalisation of tourism enterprises across Namibia.
Formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding, the partnership combines NTB’s mandate to regulate, promote, and develop the tourism sector with FNB Namibia’s strength in financial services, SME development, and inclusive economic empowerment.
At the heart of the collaboration is a shared commitment to improving access to affordable, structured financial solutions—particularly for small, medium, and emerging tourism operators who often struggle with limited access to finance, seasonal cash flow constraints, and gaps in financial literacy.
The partnership will deliver tailored financial products, including working capital and asset-based financing, while also strengthening financial literacy and credit readiness within the sector. In addition, tourism enterprises will benefit from training, mentorship, and advisory services designed to support long-term business growth and resilience.
FNB Namibia will leverage its SME Hub and digital banking platforms to streamline access to support. At the same time, NTB will play a key role in identifying eligible businesses, facilitating market access, and coordinating sector development initiatives.
Speaking on the agreement, NTB CEO Sebulon Chicalu said the partnership represents a major step forward for the industry.
“This collaboration marks a significant step towards strengthening Namibia’s tourism sector by empowering businesses with the financial tools and knowledge they need to grow sustainably. By working with FNB Namibia, we are enabling greater resilience and inclusivity across the tourism value chain,” he said.
FNB Namibia also reaffirmed its commitment to building grassroots capacity through the launch of a Tourism Entrepreneurship Capacity-Building Programme. The programme will focus on equipping emerging operators—ranging from tour operators and guides to shuttle services—with practical business skills, mentorship, and improved access to markets.
Executive of Treasury at FNB Namibia, Selma Kapeng highlighted the importance of sustained investment in the sector.
“Supporting an industry goes far beyond sponsorship. It requires a deliberate and sustained effort to uplift the entire value chain, ensuring that growth is inclusive, resilient, and sustainable,” she said.
She noted that many emerging operators continue to face barriers such as limited entrepreneurship and financial management skills, compliance challenges, and restricted access to insurance and markets—gaps the programme aims to address.
FNB Namibia has committed N$60 000 towards the rollout of the initiative, which will be implemented nationwide in cohorts to maximise impact.
As Namibia continues to position itself as a leading tourism destination, the partnership signals a focused effort to empower local businesses, strengthen value chains, and ensure that the benefits of tourism are more widely shared across the country.
