The Village Entrepreneur™

Namibia's informal settlements face numerous challenges every day, but at the same time, they offer various opportunities like in Omulunga Grootfontein in Namibia.

Where energy supply is unreliable, the daily sunshine is an infinite source of energy which creates numerous opportunities for forward-thinking young people who are currently unemployed to start their own businesses. In areas where what is required daily at the household, is only available far from the informal settlement, the Village Entrepreneur can provide. This means basic goods and services are now available to underserved communities.

From an unused, pre-owned shipping container to a hub for the community. No fixed energy grid connection is required; this shop runs entirely on solar power. From freezer facility to lights to cellphone charging.

It is turning several opportunities into real success:

• At least two entrepreneurs work in the shop every day, building their own future by selling fish and other essential products.
• Where in the past, community members had to travel to the town area for essential shopping, today the most essential shopping can be done directly in the informal settlement—centrally located and therefore easily accessible, even by foot.

The Village Entrepreneur facility is a milestone and is intended to be one of many on the road to sustainability and ownership. A community built with dignity and access to basic needs.

More such facilities could transform the unemployment status among young adults into real business opportunities.

Lend us your helping hand and contribute so that many more container-based facilities like this can be created, paving the way to a better future.