In a dazzling display of business acumen and corporate achievement, Namibia’s capital, Windhoek, witnessed the launch of the inaugural Namibia Top Companies Awards on October 13, 2023. This momentous occasion, a collaborative effort between The Brief, Namibia’s leading business publication, and Cirrus Capital, a major player in local financial services, brought together the creme de la creme of the Namibian corporate world.
The event, held under the patronage of Deputy Minister Emma Theofelus from the Ministry of Information, Communication, and Technology, marked a pivotal moment in recognizing and celebrating the outstanding contributions of Namibian companies across various sectors. It was an evening where excellence and innovation were in the spotlight, with companies vying for the top honors in nine competitive categories.
The awards ceremony was supported by a consortium of high-profile sponsors, including B2Gold, Nedbank Namibia, Namport, Old Mutual Namibia, and Basecamp. These sponsors’ involvement underscored their commitment to fostering a culture of excellence and innovation in the Namibian business landscape.
Judged by an independent panel through a rigorous, unbiased process, the awards focused on criteria like financial performance, innovation, and impact on the Namibian economy. The winners emerged in various categories, ranging from Best Locally Listed Company to Best Start-Up, with each victor exemplifying the pinnacle of success in their respective fields.
And the winners are…
Best Locally Listed Company:
Letshego Holdings
FNB Namibia
Capricorn Group
Best Local Bank:
FNB Namibia
Bank Windhoek
Standard Bank Namibia
Best Deal (M&A / Corporate Finance):
JABU – USD15 million in series A funding
Savanna Beef – NAD169 million equity raised through private placement in 2022
Paratus Namibia – Deal size = NAD130 million through NSX listed medium-term note program
Best Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG):
FirstRand Namibia
Bank Windhoek and Erongo Marine
Best Cash Asset Manager:
M&G Namibian Money Market Fund
Old Mutual Namibia Money Market Fund
Standard Bank Namibia Money Market Fund
Best Overall Asset Manager:
Sanlam Investment Management General Equity Fund
Hangala Capital Absolute Balanced Fund
NAM Coronation Balanced Plus Fund
Best Balanced Asset Manager:
Hangala Capital Absolute Balance Fund
NAM Coronation Balanced Plus Fund
M&G Namibian Balanced Fund
Best Incubation Manager:
Mumi Investments
Sisedi Investments
Best Start-Up:
Sigmotec – Innovative signal monitoring technology for farmers
GreenTeam Consultants – Revolutionizing well water extraction and treatment
Lynkwise – Cutting-edge payroll deduction management platform
The Namibia Top Companies Awards are more than just an annual event; they represent a celebration of the relentless spirit of excellence and innovation within Namibia’s corporate community. This inaugural event has set a high benchmark, promising to become an annual tradition that highlights the best in Namibia’s business sector.
The Brief and Cirrus Capital, in a joint statement, expressed their elation at hosting the event, congratulating all the winners and nominees. They emphasized the event’s significance in showcasing Namibia’s business landscape’s excellence and innovation, eagerly anticipating next year’s ceremony, which promises to be an even grander celebration of success and innovation.
