Reflections on the National MSME Festival 2026

The strength of any economy lies in the combination of its businesses, from micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to large national and international corporations.

Together with government agencies and non-profit organisations, they improve lives by providing goods and services that meet societal needs.

The recent National MSME Festival 2026, hosted by the Ministry of Finance through the Financial Literacy Initiative (FLI), was a powerful reminder that “being in business is serious business”.

Over three days from 24 to 26 June in Windhoek, MSME owners and entrepreneurs gathered to network, learn from experts, and pitch their ventures. As someone who attended all three days and contributed by preparing entrepreneurs for their pitching sessions, I was deeply impressed by the commitment of the organisers and the passion of the participants.

The festival reinforced a truth I hold strongly: entrepreneurship is not just about profit; it is about survival, growth and opportunity.