Nedbank ignites entrepreneurial spirit with 2026 Kapana Cook-off Launch

29 June 2026

Windhoek, 29 June 2026 – Nedbank Namibia officially launched the highly anticipated 2026 Nedbank Kapana Cook-Off Competition at a vibrant media event held at Temperature Lounge in Windhoek on Friday, 26 June 2026. The launch brought together media, influencers, partners, and stakeholders to experience the essence of Namibia’s beloved kapana culture while celebrating entrepreneurship and business growth.

The Nedbank Kapana Cook-Off has grown into one of the country’s most impactful entrepreneurship platforms, designed to empower informal food vendors and professional chefs by transforming culinary talent into sustainable businesses.

Nedbank Namibia Communications & PR Manager, Selma Kaulinge emphasised the competition’s role beyond cooking, positioning it as a catalyst for financial inclusion and small business development.

“At Nedbank, we believe in being Money Experts Who Do Good. The Kapana Cook-Off is more than a competition; it is a business incubator that creates real opportunities for grassroots entrepreneurs. By providing financial support, training, and exposure, we are helping to bridge the gap between the informal and formal economy,” said Kaulinge.

She added that the competition recognises the vital role kapana vendors play in Namibia’s economy

The 2026 Nedbank Kapana Cook-Off will feature three regional rounds across Namibia, leading up to an exciting grand finale. The competition caters to two categories:

The regional rounds will take place as follows:

• Coastal Round: Swakopmund – 1 August 2026
• Northern Round: Oshakati – 29 August 2026
• Central Round: Windhoek – 19 September 2026

The top performers from each region will advance to the grand finale on 3 October 2026 in Katutura, Windhoek

The Nedbank Kapana Cook-Off continues to offer life-changing prizes aimed at transforming informal traders into fully-fledged entrepreneurs, with the overall winner in the amateur category receiving a fully equipped mobile Kapana kitchen (food trailer) worth N$150 000, a Nedbank account seeded with N$10,000, and a Bakpro voucher valued at N$5,000.

In addition to these prizes, Nedbank provides winners with financial literacy support and business tools to help them scale their operations into sustainable enterprises.

One of the most powerful highlights of the launch was a moving testimonial from previous winner Ester Silas, who shared how the competition transformed her life.

“Winning the Nedbank Kapana Cook-Off gave me credibility and recognition. It changed how I saw my business – no longer just surviving day to day but building something for the future. Today, I am not just a vendor; I am a food truck owner and a businesswoman.”

Silas explained how the competition helped her transition from operating informally to running a professional food business, emphasising the importance of branding, customer experience, and consistency.

“Nedbank did not simply give me a prize. They gave me belief, visibility, and an opportunity to see my business differently. My journey shows that when people are supported, informal businesses can become real businesses, and dreams can become livelihoods.”

She encouraged other vendors across Namibia to seize the opportunity and invest in themselves and their businesses.

The Nedbank Kapana Cook-Off continues to play a critical role in driving Namibia’s informal economy by, supporting small business growth, creating employment opportunities, encouraging entrepreneurship among youth and women, was well as unlocking the potential within local communities.

The initiative is further strengthened through partnerships with organisations such as Bakpro, Agra, and the Namibian Chefs Association, ensuring high standards, sustainability, and growth opportunities for participants.

Aspiring contestants can collect entry forms at any Nedbank branch nationwide or download them online at www.nedbank.com.na

Entries are now officially open, and Nedbank is calling on all aspiring kapana vendors and chefs across Namibia to participate in this life-changing opportunity.