South African entrepreneurs Sbusiso Leope, better known as DJ Sbu, and Sheldon Tatchell will be guest speakers at the 2026 Business Summit Namibia in Windhoek on 25 July.
DJ Sbu is the founder of MoFaya Beverage Company, while Sheldon Tatchell founded Legends Barbershops.
The Business Summit Namibia is one of the country’s leading entrepreneurship and networking platforms, according to a statement issued by summit convener Martin Nankela, following its launch on 21 May.
“The summit has steadily evolved by bringing in regional business heavyweights and local visionaries to inspire the Namibian business sector,” Nankela says, adding that this is in line with president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s call to promote the creative sector to create employment for young people.
Nankela says over the past five years, Business Summit Namibia has brought together entrepreneurs, creatives, executives, innovators and aspiring business leaders to connect, collaborate and exchange ideas that contribute to business growth and economic development.
“This year’s edition is the sixth and is expected to attract approximately 1 000 attendees from across Namibia and beyond,” he says.
Nankela adds that a number of Namibian speakers have been lined up, including Standard Bank Namibia executive for business banking Hellen Amupolo, Hannah Nangula Cosmetics founder Hannah Nangula and RFC Creative Agency chief executive Reggie Zaire.
Additional speakers will be announced after confirmation, Nankela says.
According to him, the summit will feature keynote presentations, panel discussions, networking sessions, collaboration opportunities and exhibition spaces to spur meaningful business engagements and opportunities for attendees and participating brands.
He urges corporate entities and small and medium enterprises to take up exhibition stalls to showcase their products and services during the event.
Through keynote presentations, panel discussions, and exhibition spaces, the summit focuses on driving economic transformation, reducing unemployment and fostering an innovative business culture across Namibia, he adds.
At last year’s edition, Business Summit Namibia partnered with First National Bank Namibia and the City of Windhoek for a show that featured renowned South African-Motswana actress, media icon, and businesswoman Connie Ferguson as the headline guest speaker.
The fourth edition, held at the Roman Catholic Hall in Windhoek in 2024, featured South African businessman Theo Baloyi, the founder of Bathu Shoes, as the primary guest speaker.
Nankela says the summit had an uplifting impact on the Namibian business landscape in several key ways.
It gave budding and informal entrepreneurs a highly visible platform to exhibit their products, access funding resources, and network with vital stakeholders like banks.
“By showcasing the grassroots stories of highly successful self-made founders, the summit inspires young Namibians to pursue self-sufficiency and build their own businesses rather than solely relying on formal employment,” he says.
Institutional partners use the stage to educate local creators and business owners on high-paying digital skills, compliance and smart banking options, making it easier for informal traders to scale.
By actively addressing Namibia’s high unemployment rate, Business Summit Namibia promotes economic diversification, encouraging fresh ideas and collaborations that benefit local communities. – email: matthew@namibian.com.na
