The Namibian Business Hall of Fame in which Namibian entrepreneurs are honoured by induction has opened its nominations for the 2023 edition which is scheduled to take place on 18 November 2023.
The induction ceremony is a highly anticipated event aimed at recognizing true and proudly Namibian business excellence.
“By bestowing this prestigious honour on emerging and accomplished visionary leaders, this induction pays homage to their achievements while inspiring future generations to strive for excellence,” says Helena Amadhila, Managing Director of the organising firm, GEN Namibia.
The awards were co-founded in 2004 by Ronel de Beer, at the time working for Namibia Beverages, Coca Cola Namibia now, Tarah Shaanika, former CEO of Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI), and Johanna Cloete, former Country Director of Junior Achievement Namibia, now Board Chair and former MD of GEN Namibia.
The very first induction ceremony saw business giants in Namibia such as Laureate late Werner List, Laureate late Harold Pupkewitz, Dr. Frans Aupa Indongo, and Dr. Leake Hangala.
“Over the past 19 years, the organisation has proven itself to be an important and credible agent in recognizing true and proud Namibian potential. By inducting them into the prestigious NBHF, their remarkable contributions are forever etched into the annals of Namibia’s business history. NBHF encourages innovation, fosters a spirit of entrepreneurship, and elevates the collective aspiration of thought leadership. The organisation has received tremendous support by Industry such as Coca Cola Namibia, First National Bank Namibia Ltd, Standard Bank Namibia Ltd., Oracle NetSuite, Pupkewitz Foundation, Safari Hotel & Conference Centre and many individuals who have invaluably contributed to its vision and mandate,” Amadhila said.
The public is hereby invited to nominate deserving candidates of their choice. This year’s induction will also serve as a fundraiser for the programs that GEN Namibia does to support MSMEs in Namibia. GEN Namibia is a community of ecosystems and community builders. The program currently under its wing; Zizza Makazi (Green Home) Techno Girls facilitates the training of women and girls form rural areas to install and maintain solar home systems and biogas digesters.
“As the illustrious story of entrepreneurship continues to unfold, NBHF will remain at the forefront, celebrating local entrepreneurs and those who continue to shape the future for generations to come. Other affiliated programs are GEC+2024 and BOOSTUP 2023, pitch and business training, followed by a pitching competition to select the top of the class for 2023,” Amadhila further said.
Nomination Categories
Emerging Entrepreneurs: Startups or SMMEs that have made a change to societal or community challenges. The impact is clearly visible to the public. Startups that have impacted the community to adapt to the digital age or an agile agent of change.
Honorary Laureates: Professionals who live as change-makers in their societies whether educational, health-wise, or uplifting communities.
Laureates: The industry leaders and entrepreneurs who extensively contributed to the Namibian economy.