Three northern entrepreneurs advance in Nedbank Kapana Cook-Off Competition

Windhoek, Sep 1 — The spirit of entrepreneurship and community enterprise was on full display in Oshakati on Saturday, 29 August, as 47 aspiring and established kapana vendors competed in the northern preliminary round of the Nedbank Kapana Cook-Off Competition.
After an intense showcase of culinary talent and entrepreneurial passion, Lucia Gideon, Saima Shipululu, and
Loise Imvula emerged as the northern preliminary winners, earning their place in the national final where they will compete for life-changing business development prizes.
The Nedbank Kapana Cook-Off Competition was established in 2014 to empower informal food traders by providing a platform for entrepreneurs to showcase their skills that can help transform small enterprises into sustainable ventures. The competition aligns with Nedbank Namibia’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurship and creating opportunities that contribute to economic growth and financial inclusion.
Nedbank Namibia Communication and PR Manager, Selma Kaulinge, said the competition reflects the bank’s belief that small businesses have the power to transform communities and drive economic growth: ‘Kapana is a source of income for thousands of hardworking entrepreneurs across the country. Through the Nedbank Kapana Cook-Off Competition, we are celebrating the resilience and determination of informal traders while providing a platform that can help them take their businesses to the next level.
Kaulinge added that supporting entrepreneurs remains a critical component of sustainable economic development: ‘Many successful businesses start small. By investing in informal traders and providing opportunities for growth, we are helping to build stronger local economies. The talent and passion we witnessed in Oshakati demonstrate the remarkable potential that exists within our communities.’
The competition’s grand prize has been carefully designed to support the commercial growth of the ultimate winner. The national champion will walk away with a fully furnished food trailer valued at N$150 000, N$10 000 cash deposited into a Nedbank account, and a Bakpro Vetkoek voucher worth N$5 000, providing the tools and resources needed to expand and formalize their business.
The Nedbank Kapana Cook-Off heads to Windhoek for the final preliminary round on 19 September, where 3
kapana cooks will secure their spot in the final. The competition is co-sponsored by Bakpro and AGRA.