A sustainability-driven agribusiness has taken top honours in Namibia’s latest small business development initiative, with Dean Brandt awarded N$50,000 in seed capital after winning the 2025/26 SanlamAllianz Bridge Programme.
The Founder of Brandt Auster Farming, Brandt has built a niche operation producing oyster mushrooms using encroacher bush as a growing medium, transforming an environmental challenge into a commercial opportunity aligned with land restoration goals. “I would like to thank SanlamAllianz for believing in my vision to build a sustainable business,” said Brandt.
The programme, delivered by SanlamAllianz in partnership with the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board, is designed to strengthen small enterprises through mentorship, technical support and access to capital. NIPDB representative Nankela Amupadhi said the initiative targets structural barriers to SME growth. She noted, “Participants develop stronger financial management, operational systems and planning capability, which are essential for scaling businesses in a competitive environment.”
Programme partner Natasha Bassingthwaighte emphasised the human capital dimension. “Entrepreneurship is about building people who can build businesses. That capability ultimately determines long-term success,” said Bassingthwaighte. The impact of the programme is already visible. Former participant Bruno Nghimwena concluded by sharing that the seed funding enabled his business to access formal retail markets, with products now stocked across Namibia and Botswana.
