The Impact of OM SEED 2.0: "CSI of the Year"

In a resounding victory at the recent Namibia Premier Business Awards, OM SEED 2.0 emerged triumphant, clinching the prestigious "CSI of The Year Award." This accolade is a testament to the dedication and impact of the Old Mutual Namibia Foundation, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Accelerator Lab. We were honoured to have been the implementors of this great initiative. ?

Building on the success achieved in Windhoek, Keetmanshoop, and Oshakati last year, the foundation extended the initiative to Rundu, Swakopmund/Walvis Bay, Mariental, and surrounding areas in 2023. Facilitated by us, OM SEED 2.0 was a 12-week program incubator designed to foster skills development through a combination of in-person and online sessions.?

The program brought together a diverse group of 10 participants from various regions, engaging them in a 5-day in-person program followed by quarterly online follow-ups. Over the course of three months, participants underwent intensive training covering crucial aspects such as problem identification, business model refinement, community building/networking, partner investigation, and road map development.?

A highlight of the program was the mentorship component, featuring a total of 1 mentorship session per participant and 2 group sessions during the 3-month period. This phase focused on guiding and supporting participants on their entrepreneurial journey.?

Setting ambitious goals for this phase, OM SEED 2.0 aimed to:?

• Ensure that 80% of participants successfully completed the rigorous 8-week program of activities.?
• Identify new markets to fuel revenue growth.?
• Develop a scalable model for the activities of phases i-iii.?
• Map the participants' needs for future programs.?

OM SEED 2.0 stands as a shining example of the positive impact that collaborative initiatives can have on communities. By fostering entrepreneurship, skill development, and community engagement, the program is sowing seeds of sustainable change across Namibia. As OM SEED 2.0 continues to grow and expand its reach, it exemplifies a commitment to creating lasting economic empowerment and social change.?