In the arid landscapes of Namibia, where entrepreneurial dreams often contend with the realities of limited resources, one name has emerged as a beacon of hope and innovation: Jesaya Hano-Oshike. From his humble beginnings in Ohadiwa, a small village in Namibia’s Ohangwena Region, to becoming a pivotal figure in the country’s startup ecosystem, Jesaya’s journey is a testament to resilience, vision, and an unyielding commitment to driving change.
Humble Beginnings and the Spark of Ambition
Jesaya’s story begins in Ohadiwa, where he spent his early years before his family relocated to Walvis Bay. “I grew up in a small village where resources were scarce, but dreams were abundant,” he recalls. It was in Walvis Bay that Jesaya’s journey truly took shape. He pursued his education with determination and eventually earned an honours degree in economics from University of South Africa (UNISA). He also did further studies in Investment Analysis and Portfolio Management as well as Bank Management through UNISA.
Armed with knowledge and an innate drive to create meaningful change, Jesaya began his career in sectors such as banking, venture capital, and investment consulting. But it was his deep connection to Namibia and its potential that ultimately steered him toward the world of startups and entrepreneurship.
Building Namibia’s Startup Ecosystem
Jesaya’s contributions to Namibia’s startup ecosystem are nothing short of revolutionary. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by startups, such as limited funding, lack of mentorship, and inadequate infrastructure, he founded several initiatives to address these gaps.
Among his key contributions is the Namibia Business Angel Network (NABAN). Established to bridge the gap between innovative startups and potential investors, NABAN has become a cornerstone of Namibia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Jesaya explains, “Startups need more than funding; they need guidance, mentorship, and a network of supportive investors to thrive.” Through quarterly pitch events, NABAN connects entrepreneurs with angel investors who provide not only financial backing but also strategic advice. This dual approach has had a significant impact on the growth trajectory of many startups.
Another transformative initiative is the Basecamp Business Incubator, which Jesaya co-founded in 2023. Focused on empowering Namibian entrepreneurs across diverse sectors such as renewable energy, artificial intelligence, fashion, and mining, Basecamp provides tailored mentorship, workshops, and resources. Reflecting on the initiative’s impact, Jesaya shares, “Basecamp is more than just an incubator—it’s a space where visionaries can turn their ideas into sustainable realities.” In just one year, the incubator has supported over 1,500 entrepreneurs, helping them overcome barriers to innovation and scale their businesses effectively.
Jesaya also co-founded Bellatrix Investment Managers (BIM), a licensed investment management company that focuses on high-yield alternative investments. BIM was designed to address the funding gap for early-stage businesses in Namibia, offering startups access to both debt and equity financing. “Bellatrix is about more than providing capital,” Jesaya explains. “We partner with startups to help them optimize operations and prepare for growth.” Bellatrix is now gearing up to launch a Southern African-focused startup fund in 2025, which aims to support high-potential ventures across the region and position Southern Africa as a hub for innovation.
Finally, Jesaya’s role as Deputy Chairperson and Executive Director of the Seed Capital Fund of Namibia (SCFN) has been pivotal in mobilizing donations and investments to support startups in emerging industries like fintech and digital services. SCFN not only provides financial support but also offers training and mentorship to ensure long-term success. Jesaya describes the fund’s mission: “SCFN is about creating a sustainable ecosystem where startups have the resources they need to thrive. It’s about empowering innovators to tackle challenges with bold solutions.”
These initiatives not only reflect Jesaya’s commitment to addressing systemic challenges but also highlight his visionary approach to building a cohesive startup ecosystem.
Challenges and Lessons Learned
Jesaya’s journey has not been without its hurdles. One of the most significant challenges has been advocating for startups to be recognized as distinct from SMEs. “The ecosystem requires tailored incubation, specialized funding, and a nuanced understanding of scalability,” Jesaya emphasizes. Convincing stakeholders, both in government and the private sector, of these differences has been an uphill battle.
Another persistent challenge has been securing adequate funding for early-stage businesses in a risk-averse financial environment. This gap inspired the creation of NABAN and SCFN, initiatives designed to foster collaborative risk-sharing among investors.
Through these obstacles, Jesaya has learned invaluable lessons. “Adaptability and resilience are the pillars of success,” he reflects. “Challenges are inevitable, but they also present opportunities to innovate and create sustainable solutions.”
A Vision for Namibia’s Future
Jesaya’s efforts have already begun to yield tangible results. Namibia has climbed 12 places in the StartupBlink Global Startup Ecosystem Index since 2021, and the capital city, Windhoek, is now recognized as a rising hub for innovation.
But Jesaya’s ambitions extend beyond rankings. He envisions Namibia as a global launchpad for entrepreneurs, a goal reflected in his involvement with the ScaleUp Namibia initiative. Set to launch in 2025, this program aims to address systemic challenges like limited funding, talent acquisition, and market access.
Additionally, Bellatrix Investment Managers is gearing up to launch its regional startup fund, which will provide critical capital to early-stage ventures across Southern Africa. “We have the potential to become a regional hub for innovation,” Jesaya says, “and I am committed to making that vision a reality.”
A Global Perspective
Jesaya’s work has not gone unnoticed. In July 2024, he was honored with the Ecosystem Hero of the Year award at the Global Startup Awards for Southern Africa, recognizing his tireless efforts to elevate Namibia’s entrepreneurial landscape.
Emerging trends also excite Jesaya, particularly in impact investing and generative AI. “These innovations have the potential to reshape industries and create new opportunities for startups,” he notes. Jesaya is keen to integrate these technologies into his work, ensuring that Namibia remains at the forefront of global innovation.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
For those looking to enter the startup world with limited resources, Jesaya offers sage advice: “Focus on your mission and build strategic partnerships. Leverage technology to maximize efficiency and always be open to learning.” He emphasizes the importance of resilience, urging entrepreneurs to view challenges as stepping stones rather than barriers.
Jesaya Hano-Oshike’s journey from a small village to becoming a transformative force in Namibia’s startup ecosystem is nothing short of inspiring. Through initiatives like NABAN, Basecamp Business Incubator, and Bellatrix Investment Managers, he has not only created opportunities for countless entrepreneurs but also laid the groundwork for sustainable economic growth in Namibia.
As he looks to the future, Jesaya remains steadfast in his mission. “My goal has always been to foster an ecosystem where innovation thrives and dreams become realities,” he says. And with his relentless drive and visionary leadership, there’s no doubt he will continue to do just that.