# Namibian entrepreneurship and regional trade development > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/namibian-entrepreneurship-and-regional-trade-development > Updated: 2026-08-25T06:30:53.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. Efforts to bolster entrepreneurship and regional trade in Namibia and the broader African continent have gained momentum through financial support and digital advocacy. The Development Bank of Namibia (DBN) has expanded its outreach to increase access to development finance for women and youth entrepreneurs, utilizing initiatives like ‘DBN for Her’. Concurrently, Standard Bank and DHL have partnered to enhance an Export Readiness Programme, providing SMEs with technical assistance and logistics support to address the trade-finance gap and improve intra-African trade. Building on these economic foundations, Namibian Deputy Minister Dino Ballotti has urged local entrepreneurs to utilize digital technology to expand beyond the domestic market. He identified Angola, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa as key regional targets, suggesting that digital platforms, artificial intelligence, and electronic payments can help businesses overcome traditional barriers to cross-border expansion. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-25: Dino Ballotti urges Namibian entrepreneurs to target regional markets Deputy Minister Dino Ballotti has challenged Namibian entrepreneurs to use digital technology to target larger regional markets in Angola, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dino-ballotti-urges-namibian-entrepreneurs-to-target-regional-markets ### 2026-08-24: African financial institutions expand support for entrepreneurs and SMEs The Development Bank of Namibia is expanding finance access for women and youth, while Standard Bank partners with DHL to help African SMEs navigate international trade and export logistics. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/african-financial-institutions-expand-support-for-entrepreneurs-and-smes --- Cite as: Namibian entrepreneurship and regional trade development. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/namibian-entrepreneurship-and-regional-trade-development