About Twapewa Kadhikwa
Vice Chairperson
Kadhikwa Group of Companies
Twapewa’s Purpose Statement:
I intend to inspire & empower entrepreneurs and SME’s in Africa to manage themselves and their businesses successfully!
Born and bred in Windhoek’s dusty and cultural rich township of Katutura, Twapewa Kadhikwa has redefined the odds and risen to be a respectable entrepreneur, philanthropist, public speaker, investor, mentor and advisor.
Through hard work and sheer determination, Twapewa as she is affectionately known, has risen to become a sought-after entrepreneurial speaker in Namibia, within the SADC region, on the continent and global circles.
She has spoken to audiences in Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Angola, Ghana, Israel, India, Turkey, China, United Kingdom, Norway, Sweden, Finland and United States.
Having never held a formal job, despite being a University of Namibia (Unam), Bachelors of Commerce Degree graduate Twapewa shares lessons, opinions and secrets that she has learnt over the years ranging from setting up and managing various types of businesses.
Buoyed by the adage, ‘one is not defined by your failures and mistakes,’Twapewa has gained indispensable knowledge and experience in the entrepreneurial field and continuously advocates for young people’s participation in the economic discourse of their countries.
An empowerer and game changer, Twapewa believes that in order to impact a generation, you must empower both men and women. She is now committed to her Purpose Statement, which intends to Inspire & Empower the AFROPRENEURIAL generation.
She is the founder of the Olafika SME Development & Mentorship Programme, a formally structured programme that offers training through an accredited toolkit developed in Partnership with the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI).
Her Programme is transforming society, as it ensures that participants are equipped, inspired and informed to make changes that result in the profitability and sustainability of their businesses.
In July 2016, she was appointed as Nedbank Namibia’s Official SME Ambassador, tasked with partnering with Nedbank Namibia in their bid to strengthen their banking service and offerings towards Small and Medium Enterprises and encourage the culture of Entrepreneurship.
In August 2016, the International University of Management (IUM) conferred an Honorary Masters to her in acknowledgement of her achievements in the area of Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation, something very close to her heart.
She is one of the local Directors on the board of Uranium Exploration Company, Bannermann Resources listed on the Australian Stock Exchange.
Twapewa is the Vice – Chairperson of WAD – Women Action for Development and has served on boards such as The Rossing Foundation and the Presidential Economic Advisory Council.
Kadhikwa Group of Companieshas interests in hospitality, agribusiness, training and property development.
Twapewa is a God-fearing woman, wife to Erastus Kadhikwa and mother to their 4 children.
AWARDS AND HONOURS:
- Junior Businesswoman of the Year (2007)
- Best Exhibit Pewa Manufacturing – Ongwediva Trade Fair (2006)
- Namibia Business Hall of Fame – Was inducted as a Laureate (2013)
- African Women Conference Rising Entrepreneur – African Women Conference (2018)