Old Mutual raises Namibia prize fund to 650,000 dollars
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Windhoek Observer
Namibia’s Old Mutual SEED: Seasons programme will increase its 2026 prize fund to 650,000 Namibian dollars and reward 15 entrepreneurs, up from three winners previously. Each of the five categories will award 130,000 Namibian dollars, with prizes of 60,000, 40,000 and 30,000 Namibian dollars, according to Old Mutual Namibia.
The Old Mutual Foundation has increased the prize fund for its 2026 OM SEED: Seasons programme to 650,000 Namibian dollars, to reward 15 entrepreneurs, the company announced. The programme will now recognise three winners in each of its five categories, instead of three winners overall.
In each category, the first prize is 60,000 Namibian dollars, the second 40,000 and the third 30,000, making 130,000 Namibian dollars per category. The five categories cover youth entrepreneurship, the environment, sport and fitness, creative industries, and manufacturing.
Mignon du Preez, Old Mutual Namibia’s head of marketing, public affairs and sustainability, said the expansion was in response to the number and diversity of applications received. Entrepreneurs from the country’s 14 regions could submit applications until 30 October 2026 through selected Old Mutual branches or via a form available on the company’s social media channels.
The Old Mutual Foundation created the OM SEED programme — short for “Old Mutual Sustainable Economic Empowerment Drive” — to provide local entrepreneurs and small businesses with training, mentoring and resources. The initiative comes amid efforts to support young Namibian entrepreneurs, including through funds paid out by Namibia to entrepreneurs.
