Our Stories
Breathing Life Into Start-ups – Namibia’s DoBox JumpStart Program
December 13, 2023
As part of B2Gold’s commitment to leaving a positive socio-economic legacy in countries where we operate, we always aim to serve as a catalyst – for community members to play a lead role in local economic development.
Fostering local entrepreneurship falls squarely into this category, which is why B2Gold Namibia was so proud to support Namibia’s DoBox Trust, an NGO that targets youth unemployment and provides funding for innovative start-up businesses.
Surge Sustainability Projects Founder Alek Pieters demonstrates how biogas is produced from waste. Surge was one of the Namibian enterprises that received support and funding from the B2Gold-supported Dobox JumpStart program.
Honing Skills for the Next Generation of Namibian Entrepreneurs
When the DoBox team launched its B2Gold-supported JumpStart incubation program in 2022, the goal was to provide support, training, and co-working opportunities to young entrepreneurs. Early-stage entrepreneurs would have the opportunity to develop ideas into tangible businesses and prepare them for the next phase of growth and potential financing.
The JumpStart program unfolded in three phases, with each phase ending in a pitch event.
“These young entrepreneurs hone their skills in presenting their business ideas in a concise and structured manner,” said Chantal Claassen, Co-Founder and Operations Manager for DoBox Trust. “It’s a great way to evaluate progress and foster accountability.” With each progressive phase, the criteria for advancement became stricter, and the grants larger – NAD10,000, NAD50,000 and NAD100,000, respectively.
One JumpStarter who received grants for two out of the three pitch events was Ndaudika Mulundileni, founder of the Mindsinaction STEAM Centre, a tech educator for youth, focusing on the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) subjects.
“We are honored and so excited about being recognized by the JumpStart program,” said Ndaudika. “It has been an incredible opportunity for us to showcase our business model and demonstrate that we are committed to growth and profit while having a societal impact at the same time. The grants will enable us to improve our STEAM Learning Centre.”
From Pitch to Launch: New Businesses and Jobs for Locals
Natalia Haulofu, CSI Board member at B2Gold Namibia, served as one of the JumpStart judges. She praised the efforts of participants and emphasized the positive impact the program has had on the community.
The program showcased the potential of Namibians to address local needs through entrepreneurship. There were nine direct and 50 indirect beneficiaries, leading to the creation of six viable businesses and a host of job opportunities.
Examples include Surge Sustainability (pictured here), a sustainable waste treatment and diversion business, and Etosha App (top), a wildlife and spotting guide to Namibia’s Etosha National Park.
Overall, the DoBox JumpStart program has been a resounding success, providing a platform for young entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into reality and make a positive impact on their community. By providing support, training, and access to funding, the DoBox Trust has helped to empower the next generation of Namibian entrepreneurs and create a brighter future for all.
Learn more about B2Gold’s sustainable development initiatives in host communities the world, in our 2022 Responsible Mining Report.
