Old Mutual Namibia Opens N$130,000 Entrepreneurship Competition

The Old Mutual Foundation has opened applications for the 2026 edition of its OM SEED entrepreneurship programme, offering Namibian entrepreneurs a chance to compete for N$130,000 in prize money and receive business development support.

The programme, called OM SEED: Seasons, introduces a national competition covering all 14 regions of Namibia. The new format replaces the previous approach of running activities in selected regions sequentially, giving entrepreneurs from different parts of the country an opportunity to participate.

OM SEED, short for Old Mutual Sustainable Economic Empowerment Drive, supports grassroots businesses through mentorship, business training, incubation and financial assistance.

For the 2026 edition, applicants can enter one of five categories, depending on their business activities.

SEED Level Up targets youth entrepreneurs aged 18 to 35, including startups, digital businesses and community ventures. SEED Green supports businesses working in environmental sustainability, renewable energy, recycling, waste management and water conservation.

SEED Play is aimed at sports and fitness businesses, including coaching services, sports academies and equipment suppliers. SEED Made covers creative industries such as fashion, film, music, photography and digital content creation.

The fifth category, SEED Manufacturing, targets entrepreneurs producing goods through activities such as woodworking, metal fabrication, furniture production, engineering, food processing and traditional crafts. Applicants for the other four categories, apart from the youth-specific Level Up category, must be at least 18 years old.

Cash prizes and business support

The competition offers three cash prizes: N$60,000 for the first-place winner, N$40,000 for second place and N$30,000 for third place.

After applications close, the organisers will select a Top 10 from across the five categories and 14 regions. Those shortlisted will participate in a business development and incubation process that includes mentorship, practical training and further assessment before the three winners are selected.

The programme therefore combines prize funding with support intended to help entrepreneurs strengthen their business operations and prepare for growth.

Applications opened on 9 October and close on 30 October 2026. Entrepreneurs can obtain application forms at selected Old Mutual branches or access them through the QR code shared on Old Mutual Namibia's social media platforms.

The expanded programme gives digital businesses and early-stage startups a route to apply alongside entrepreneurs in manufacturing, creative industries, sports and environmental sustainability. It is not exclusively a technology startup competition, but its inclusion of digital businesses and green innovation makes it relevant to Namibia's wider entrepreneurship ecosystem.