New magazine to market businesses

YOKANY OLIVEIRAENTREPRENEURS, SMEs and start-ups usually do not receive much recognition in the business sphere as their businesses are first expected to flourish before receiving any attention. Media entrepreneur Tom Edison Shilongo said this is a problem he hopes to solve through his magazine Launch Namibia in Windhoek last Thursday.

Shilongo said the magazine, which will be published annually with an initial 300 copies, will be a platform for entrepreneurs, SMEs and start-up groups to be profiled and featured as a way to market their businesses.

The 27-year-old said the magazine was first launched as an online publication a year ago, and has featured various Namibian entrepreneurs.

Shilongo started Launch Namibia after realising that there were not many media publications which focused on raising awareness around small businesses and new entrepreneurs, and he wanted to give them a kick-start by putting them in the limelight.

Shilongo, who was a member of the University of Namibia’s students representative council in 2015 and a political science graduate, ventured into entrepreneurship upon discovering his passion for graphic design and print media.

“I have always wanted to own some sort of media-related business. But there’s a story behind why I chose Launch Namibia to focus solely on promoting new businesses in Namibia, but I’d say it’s mostly because of the love I have for graphic design,” he explained.

He elaborated that his interest in owning a magazine arose from his time in the Unam SRC.

“The time I spent as SRC [secretary] for information and publicity also influenced my interest towards having my own publication because I spent much of my time working on the [campus] newsletter,” said Shilongo.

He said one of the challenges many newly established businesses face is getting themselves out there in order to maximise on their growth potential.

“I overheard two businessmen talking about how they wanted to open a business, and how they also needed platforms to foster their business public relevance, and that is when Launch Namibia was born,” said Shilongo.

The magazine’s online audience started growing in numbers, and became a foundation for various entrepreneurs to tell their stories, and advise those who are keen on starting their own businesses in future.

He added that part of the magazine’s mission is to encourage the youth to start their own businesses.

“We have a wave of innovative individuals who might be sitting at home wanting to start something, but unsure of which steps to take towards establishing a running business,” Shilongo stated.

Although the magazine speaks about start-ups, he does not disregard entrepreneurs who have successfully found their way in various industries.

“Yes, start-ups and entrepreneurs are our focal point, but it is not to say that we would not interview the most successful businessmen. In fact, we value their opinions the most because they have the expertise,” he said.

Shilongo works with a team of videographers, writers, graphic designers and photographers to compile the magazine.

Victor Goodson Shilongo, team member and coordinator of the magazine, added that he is always on the lookout for newcomers.

“I look for the young and upcoming entrepreneurs, and bring them in. From there, we discuss what their business is about, and how we could help give them a push,” he said.

Entrepreneurs, artists and models such as Luis Munana, Nancy Shafa and saxophonist Suzy Eises, who was a guest performer, also attended the launch last Thursday.

Shiwomeho Kalla, also known as Shiwa The Baker, talked about the importance of having a magazine such as Launch Namibia.

“Launch offers a place for business people like me to conquer everyday challenges and inspire others by celebrating wins in their entrepreneurial journey. Through this magazine, you have communicated your passion for enterprise in all its diversity,” said Kalla.

Nancy Shafa, make-up artist and co-owner of Prestige Beauty and Photography, told The Namibian about her first impressions regarding the Launch Magazine.

“What initially attracted me to Launch Namibia magazine is the fact that they consider people who are just starting up – people tend to forget those of us who are still new entrepreneurs,” she said.

Shafa added that she is looking forward to seeing the magazine expand beyond Namibia into Africa.

“I am hopeful that the magazine will be recognised internationally one day because people underestimate Namibia. Launch is not only helping us, but it is showcasing the Namibian market as a whole,” she said.

Launch Magazine is available for sale at Book Den and selected Spar stores in Windhoek.