Nedbank Future of Business Conference 2025 sparks innovation
Nedbank Namibia, in collaboration with Future Media, Aurik, Droombos, Salt Essential IT, Fly Namibia, and Africa Personnel Services, successfully hosted the inaugural Nedbank Future of Business Conference on 21 August, at the Droombos Estate, in Windhoek.
The sold-out event brought together over 300 entrepreneurs, business leaders, and innovators from across Namibia to explore the evolving landscape of owner-managed businesses and the strategic tools needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Themed ‘Redefining Businesses of Tomorrow’, the conference focused on four critical pillars of business growth namely, leadership, human resources, communication, and information technology.
Each session featured thought-provoking discussions, practical presentations, and dynamic panel discussions designed to equip Namibian SMEs, startups, and established enterprises with actionable insights.
The day began with a special address from Nedbank Group CEO, Jason Quinn, who said: “This isn’t just another conference. This is a catalyst for the future we are building together, a future shaped by fresh ideas, strong partnerships, and practical innovation. Let me start with a fundamental truth, Namibian owner-managed businesses are the beating heart of this economy. You create jobs, you drive innovation, and you anchor Namibia’s economic resilience and autonomy as one of the most promising economies on the continent and in the region. This is not just about paying lip-service. The resonance of our belief is grounded by the principles enshrined in Namibia’s Sixth National Development Plan (NDP 6).”
The Nedbank Future of Business Conference also saw the relaunch of the popular PayToday platform. PayToday’s relaunch saw a bold new look and a host of upgraded features aimed at transforming the way users interact with digital payments.
On PayToday, Quinn said: “‘We live in a dual economy. In our cities, digital payments are becoming the norm. Yet in rural areas, cash remains king, not because people resist change, but because the tools available have not always adequately responded to the realities on the ground. Limited connectivity, the cost of devices, and a lack of locally relevant solutions have been real barriers. We didn’t simply copy and paste a global solution. We built PayToday for the way Namibians live, work, and transact, whether in Windhoek’s CBD, at an open-air market in the north, or in a coastal café in Swakopmund. From taxi drivers displaying QR codes on their dashboards, to market vendors eliminating the need for change, to SMEs integrating seamless payments into their point-of-sale systems, PayToday is already making transactions faster, safer, and more inclusive.”
The relaunch marks a significant milestone for the app, which has become a staple in the daily lives of Namibians seeking fast, secure, and convenient financial transactions. The refreshed user interface introduces a sleek, modern design that enhances usability and streamlines navigation. Adding on the tech front was Nedbank Namibia Chief Operating Officer, Victor Ashikoto, who reflected on rapid evolution of technology, the rise of digital payments, and the future role of AI and cyber resilience in shaping how businesses and banks operate. His key message was centered around embracing innovation while recognising its transformative potential and ethical considerations by anchoring progress with strong safeguards, strategy, and user awareness.
On the day of the conference, Pavlo Phitidis, Co-Founder of Aurik, delivered the keynote where he spoke on ‘Navigating Tomorrow’s Unforeseen – Strategic Foresight in a Dynamic World.’ His insights highlighted the need for owner-managed businesses to embrace agility and long-term thinking. After Phitidis’ keynote, a presentation by Vision Africa’s Cornelius D’Alton urged businesses to leverage local insights for strategic planning. His discussion was followed by a panel discussion titled ‘The Agile Leader: Cultivating Adaptability & Innovation in a Volatile World’, which brought together seasoned executives to explore leadership strategies that foster innovation and resilience. The second session focused on the evolving workforce. Debbie Rowles from Think Human Being delivered a keynote on “The Future Human Workforce,” exploring how businesses can prepare for generational shifts and changing employee expectations. Lelanie Basson of Trending Career Hub presented on “Artificial Intelligence for Human Resource Management,” showcasing how AI can streamline recruitment, performance tracking, and employee engagement.
The panel discussion, “Building a Future-Ready Workforce: Talent, Skills & Leadership,” addressed the urgent need for upskilling and leadership development in Namibia’s business ecosystem. The focus shifted to brand building and strategic communication. Nedbank Africa Regions Executive Head of Marketing and Communication, Tatiana Ndlovu, led a masterclass titled “Building Resilient African Brands: Strategies for Growth and Sustainability in Dynamic Markets.”
Her session was followed by a keynote from Venture Media’s Elzanne McCulloch, on “Building Resilient Brands That Fly,” and a presentation by Communication Strategist, Mia de Klerk, on “Communication Basics for Future-Focused Brands.”
De Klerk’s presentation was followed by a panel discussion, on “Strategic Storytelling in the Digital Age,” explored how businesses can build trust and engagement through authentic narratives and digital platforms. The final session of the day tackled the intersection of technology and business. Salt Essential IT’s Vanessa Maresch delivered a keynote titled “For the Love of Artificial Intelligence and Business,” highlighting the transformative potential of AI in operational efficiency and customer experience.
The session concluded with a panel discussion on “Cybersecurity as a Business Enabler: Moving Beyond Compliance to Strategic Resilience,”* emphasizing the importance of proactive digital security strategies.
The sold-out event brought together over 300 entrepreneurs, business leaders, and innovators from across Namibia to explore the evolving landscape of owner-managed businesses and the strategic tools needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Themed ‘Redefining Businesses of Tomorrow’, the conference focused on four critical pillars of business growth namely, leadership, human resources, communication, and information technology.
Each session featured thought-provoking discussions, practical presentations, and dynamic panel discussions designed to equip Namibian SMEs, startups, and established enterprises with actionable insights.
The day began with a special address from Nedbank Group CEO, Jason Quinn, who said: “This isn’t just another conference. This is a catalyst for the future we are building together, a future shaped by fresh ideas, strong partnerships, and practical innovation. Let me start with a fundamental truth, Namibian owner-managed businesses are the beating heart of this economy. You create jobs, you drive innovation, and you anchor Namibia’s economic resilience and autonomy as one of the most promising economies on the continent and in the region. This is not just about paying lip-service. The resonance of our belief is grounded by the principles enshrined in Namibia’s Sixth National Development Plan (NDP 6).”
The Nedbank Future of Business Conference also saw the relaunch of the popular PayToday platform. PayToday’s relaunch saw a bold new look and a host of upgraded features aimed at transforming the way users interact with digital payments.
On PayToday, Quinn said: “‘We live in a dual economy. In our cities, digital payments are becoming the norm. Yet in rural areas, cash remains king, not because people resist change, but because the tools available have not always adequately responded to the realities on the ground. Limited connectivity, the cost of devices, and a lack of locally relevant solutions have been real barriers. We didn’t simply copy and paste a global solution. We built PayToday for the way Namibians live, work, and transact, whether in Windhoek’s CBD, at an open-air market in the north, or in a coastal café in Swakopmund. From taxi drivers displaying QR codes on their dashboards, to market vendors eliminating the need for change, to SMEs integrating seamless payments into their point-of-sale systems, PayToday is already making transactions faster, safer, and more inclusive.”
The relaunch marks a significant milestone for the app, which has become a staple in the daily lives of Namibians seeking fast, secure, and convenient financial transactions. The refreshed user interface introduces a sleek, modern design that enhances usability and streamlines navigation. Adding on the tech front was Nedbank Namibia Chief Operating Officer, Victor Ashikoto, who reflected on rapid evolution of technology, the rise of digital payments, and the future role of AI and cyber resilience in shaping how businesses and banks operate. His key message was centered around embracing innovation while recognising its transformative potential and ethical considerations by anchoring progress with strong safeguards, strategy, and user awareness.
On the day of the conference, Pavlo Phitidis, Co-Founder of Aurik, delivered the keynote where he spoke on ‘Navigating Tomorrow’s Unforeseen – Strategic Foresight in a Dynamic World.’ His insights highlighted the need for owner-managed businesses to embrace agility and long-term thinking. After Phitidis’ keynote, a presentation by Vision Africa’s Cornelius D’Alton urged businesses to leverage local insights for strategic planning. His discussion was followed by a panel discussion titled ‘The Agile Leader: Cultivating Adaptability & Innovation in a Volatile World’, which brought together seasoned executives to explore leadership strategies that foster innovation and resilience. The second session focused on the evolving workforce. Debbie Rowles from Think Human Being delivered a keynote on “The Future Human Workforce,” exploring how businesses can prepare for generational shifts and changing employee expectations. Lelanie Basson of Trending Career Hub presented on “Artificial Intelligence for Human Resource Management,” showcasing how AI can streamline recruitment, performance tracking, and employee engagement.
The panel discussion, “Building a Future-Ready Workforce: Talent, Skills & Leadership,” addressed the urgent need for upskilling and leadership development in Namibia’s business ecosystem. The focus shifted to brand building and strategic communication. Nedbank Africa Regions Executive Head of Marketing and Communication, Tatiana Ndlovu, led a masterclass titled “Building Resilient African Brands: Strategies for Growth and Sustainability in Dynamic Markets.”
Her session was followed by a keynote from Venture Media’s Elzanne McCulloch, on “Building Resilient Brands That Fly,” and a presentation by Communication Strategist, Mia de Klerk, on “Communication Basics for Future-Focused Brands.”
De Klerk’s presentation was followed by a panel discussion, on “Strategic Storytelling in the Digital Age,” explored how businesses can build trust and engagement through authentic narratives and digital platforms. The final session of the day tackled the intersection of technology and business. Salt Essential IT’s Vanessa Maresch delivered a keynote titled “For the Love of Artificial Intelligence and Business,” highlighting the transformative potential of AI in operational efficiency and customer experience.
The session concluded with a panel discussion on “Cybersecurity as a Business Enabler: Moving Beyond Compliance to Strategic Resilience,”* emphasizing the importance of proactive digital security strategies.
