This study examines the impact of exports, imports, and trade openness on Namibia’s economic growth using the ARDL cointegration method. The results reveal a significant negative relationship between imports and economic growth, while exports and trade openness show positive and significant relationships with economic growth. Moreover, short-term economic growth is driven by exports, imports, and trade openness. The findings suggest that trade liberalisation and export-led growth are crucial for Namibia’s economic development. Overall, this study supports the mercantilist theory, which emphasises the importance of participating in global markets by increasing exports and trade.

This chapter assessed the influence of socio-economic status of indigenous entrepreneurs on the success of their business ventures. A survey was conducted by administering a structured questionnaire to some randomly selected small scale indigenous enterprises in Windhoek. The study found that socio-economic status indicated by age, gender, level of education, sources of funds, income, business category, and registration status has a major influence on the success of indigenous entrepreneurial ventures. The study recommends that indigenous entrepreneurs should pursue a broader range of businesses. Increased efforts to register businesses, access to funding, and support for skills development should be supported by the government.