The Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) has announced the appointment of Helena Amadhila as managing director for GEN Namibia. Appointed by the GEN Namibia board of directors, Amadhila succeeds Johanna Cloete, the previous managing director who launched GEN Namibia and has led the organization since 2015. Cloete remains involved as chair of the board.
As managing director, Amadhila will lead planning for Global Entrepreneurship Week celebrations in 2023. She will also lead GEN Namibia’s national Entrepreneurship World Cup competition, Startup Huddle programming and work within the country’s agricultural sector. “Our team is passionate about we they do and is looking forward to taking GEN Namibia to the next level of operations by supporting sustainable economic development in Namibia,” said Amadhila.
Amadhila is an entrepreneur, consultant and lecturer at the University of Namibia (UNAM). She is passionate about entrepreneurship development and education across the country and continent. Since 2017, she has empowered others through entrepreneurial training networking activities and events. She also served on GEN Namibia’s board as vice chair from 2018 to 2022.
“Startups can flourish in all parts of the world, not just well-established tech hubs like Silicon Valley,” said Jonathan Ortmans, president of the Global Entrepreneurship Network. “Our collaboration with ecosystem builders like Helena Amadhila in Namibia is proof of that. She has helped establish and grow GEN Namibia and will take the organization to new heights as managing director.”
“Our team is working hard to improve the status quo for startups and SMEs in Nambia,” said Amadhila. She added the organization is collaborating with the Ministry of Industrialization and Trade and agencies including the Development Bank of Namibia (DBN) and Namibia Industrial Development Agency (NIDA) to improve the conditions for entrepreneurial success in the country.