By Koviao Matuzee
At just 23, Ramsetti Kevetjuukua Tuneyameno Nicodemus is part of a growing group of young Namibians reshaping the meaning of success through self-driven enterprise. Born and raised in Windhoek in a family with strong entrepreneurial roots, Nicodemus was exposed to business thinking from an early age.
For many, such an environment can influence ambition, and in his case, it played a defining role. “I was born into business,” he says, a remark that reflects both pride and a sense of responsibility, as watching relatives navigate trade and enterprise planted the foundation for his future path.
His early ambitions were not centred on business. As a child, he aspired to become a civil engineer. However, as he matured, his outlook began to change. Nicodemus be- came increasingly aware of a difficult reality around him: skilled and capable individuals struggling to secure employment. That awareness marked a turning point. Rather than following a traditional career route, he opted for a different direction, one focused on creating opportunities not only for himself but for others as well.
He started small, selling ice lollipops from home at just 15. It was a simple hustle, but it sparked something bigger. Today, that same drive has grown into a range of businesses, from buying and selling cars to supplying ice, small-scale farming, import and export, and even water services like testing and purification.
School also helped shape how he thinks about business. Studying Water Resources Management at the International University of Management (IUM) gave him practical knowledge he now uses in his ventures. He is currently studying project management at the University of Namibia (UNAM), build- ing the skills he needs to grow and manage his businesses more effectively. Like many young entrepreneurs, his journey hasn’t been easy.
Starting out without capital or experience made things difficult. “It is easy to have an idea, but making it happen is another story when you don’t have the resources,” he says. With support from his parents and uncles, he managed to get his ice business off the ground.
Even then, it was not smooth sailing. Balancing school and business was tough, especially when it came to packaging and deliveries. Instead of giving up, he adjusted. He brought in a friend to help and spent time learning the ropes at his uncles’ ware- house, watching how things worked, asking questions and picking up advice from people with experience in the industry.
Despite his progress, Nicodemus stays focused on what lies ahead. He hopes to expand into property management, real estate and commercial farming, but he is in no rush.
For him, business is more than just making money. It’s about creating opportunities. His goal is to open doors for others, especially those who have skills but struggle to find work.
“Start where you are, with what you have. Do not let a lack of money or big ideas hold you back. Break it down into small goals. That is how big companies start. Each small win pushes you forward and teaches you what to do next.”
In a country where many young people are still searching for work, his story shows that success doesn’t always begin with big funding or perfect conditions, but with determination, the ability to adapt and a willingness to learn.
