DBN For Her

A women-only financing window at the Development Bank, funded through the African Development Bank’s Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa. It lends at prime with a twelve-month grace period and pairs the loan with a credit guarantee for women who lack collateral.

N$150,000 to N$10 million. Development Bank of Namibia, backed by the African Development Bank’s AFAWA programme. Open all year: Launched on 25 March 2026 with N$400 million ring-fenced for women-owned businesses. Applications at any DBN branch.

The terms

  • Loans of N$150,000 to N$10 million at the prime interest rate
  • A twelve-month grace period during which no interest is charged, according to DBN
  • Repayment over up to five years in DBN’s brochure; up to ten years depending on the project in press reports
  • A credit guarantee scheme for applicants without enough collateral

Who qualifies

100% women-owned Namibian businesses employing 5 to 300 people

  • The business is 100% owned by women
  • It employs between 5 and 300 people
  • Any sector; small, medium and large enterprises

What to prepare

  • Business registration documents showing women’s full ownership
  • A business plan or project brief
  • At least six months of personal bank statements for the owners, and the business’s statements
  • Collateral documents where you have them, and the pre-loan training certificate DBN lists in its checklist

What actually decides it

Ownership proof and the numbers. The founding statement or share register must show 100% women ownership with no informal partners; the cash flow must carry an instalment after the grace period ends.

How to apply

Submit the application at any DBN branch.

DBN’s brochure and press reports differ on the maximum term (five years against ten). Confirm with DBN.

Get the paperwork right before you apply

A registered business: Close Corporation N$1,300 or Private Company N$5,500, government fees included

NamRA and Social Security registrations: N$300 each

Current Good Standing certificates: N$300 per certificate, or N$800 a month to keep all of them current

Frequently asked questions

How much can I get from DBN For Her?

N$150,000 to N$10 million. Loans of N$150,000 to N$10 million at the prime interest rate.

Who qualifies for DBN For Her?

100% women-owned Namibian businesses employing 5 to 300 people. The business is 100% owned by women. It employs between 5 and 300 people. Any sector; small, medium and large enterprises.

Is DBN For Her open now?

Open all year. Launched on 25 March 2026 with N$400 million ring-fenced for women-owned businesses. Applications at any DBN branch.

How do I apply to DBN For Her?

Submit the application at any DBN branch.

What do I need to prepare?

Business registration documents showing women’s full ownership. A business plan or project brief. At least six months of personal bank statements for the owners, and the business’s statements. Collateral documents where you have them, and the pre-loan training certificate DBN lists in its checklist.

Sources

  • Development Bank of Namibia, 25 March 2026: DBN launches DBN For Her
  • DBN For Her campaign brochure
  • The Namibian: DBN launches N$400 million women-only financing platform
  • New Era: DBN launches women-focused finance scheme

Checked 2026-11-11. All funders.