Beloved, you've landed in the right place. I want to take you through the stories of ten Namibians who turned dreams—sometimes from humble beginnings—into homes, businesses, and legacies that shape our nation. They’ve built with bricks and vision, ambition and wisdom. Ready? Let’s begin.

1. Fransisco Aupa Indongo – The Brick-Maker Turned Billionaire

At the top sits Frans Indongo, the man whose journey began in the late 1950s with nothing but bricks and boldness. From that humble start, he branched into tailoring and retail, eventually growing into a vast empire spanning real estate, automotive (Indongo Toyota), agriculture, supermarkets, petroleum, mining, and fishing. His real estate unfolds across cities like Windhoek, Swakopmund, and Otjiwarongo, with landmarks like the Etango Complex and Frans Indongo Gardens gracing our landscape. Today, he stands as the richest in our land, with a fortune estimated around USD 1.5 billion.

2. Quinton van Rooyen – The Financial Services Visionary

Next, we have Quinton van Rooyen, founder and chairman of Trustco Group Holdings. Starting in 1992, he carved a financial services conglomerate that spans banking, insurance, education, real estate, and more. He holds nearly 64% of Trustco, which operates across the region and even touches assets abroad. His net worth nears USD 1.2 billion, showing how a single idea, nurtured well, can grow wide and deep.

3. Koos Brandt – The Banking Pioneer

Then we honor Koos Brandt, founder of the Capricorn Group, the cornerstone behind Bank Windhoek, Bank Gaborone, and other financial institutions. Though he retired in 2017, his stake in the group remains strong. His fortune is estimated around USD 1 billion. His work didn’t just build banks—it built trust and infrastructure for development.

4. Sven Thieme – The Craftsman of Consumption and Community

Now let me tell you about Sven Thieme, the steward of Ohlthaver & List (O&L)—Namibia’s largest private employer. Under him, O&L grew the kitchens and hearts of many, owning Namibia Breweries, Namibia Dairies, O&L Leisure, and more. His firm creates jobs by the thousands. His net worth hovers around USD 150 million.

5. Benjamin “B.H.” Hauwanga – The Street-to-Suite Entrepreneur

Here’s a man with a story that warms the heart. Benjamin Hauwanga started as a boy selling sweets, cleaning yards, or earning pennies to feed his dreams. He parlayed that into a spares shop in Ongwediva, expanding into car parts, real estate, an entertainment park, and even reaching Angola. Today, his BH Group spans multiple regions. His story reflects grit, heart, and growth—though exact net worth figures aren’t public, his footprint is clear.

6. Behati Prinsloo – The Global Model with Namibian Roots

Now let us speak of grace personified: Behati Prinsloo. Though her fame blooms on global runways—Victoria’s Secret, Prada, Miu Miu—her roots are ours. Her wealth comes from modeling and her ventures into beauty and fashion. With a net worth of around USD 30 million, she is the richest woman in Namibia, and one of the most globally recognized figures from our land.

7. Gida Nakazibwe-Sekandi – The Ethical Investor

Another woman of wealth and wisdom, Gida Nakazibwe-Sekandi is a respected lawyer and former executive director at Capricorn Investment Holdings. She co-founded Namibia’s Public Relations Institute and champions ethics in business. Her net worth is estimated around USD 22 million, most of it tied to her Capricorn stake.

8. The Tromp Family – The Quiet Builders of Retail

Family matter matters in Namibia. The Tromp family holds majority shares in Nictus Holdings, a company dealing in retail, furniture, automotive services—I tell you, their influence is in your homes and wheels. Their estimated worth is about USD 21 million, silent yet stable.

9. Frank Fredericks – From Olympic Tracks to Youth Tracksuits

And here is our national pride: Frank Fredericks, famed Olympian, now investor and philanthropist. He turned his athletic success into real estate ventures and founded a sports foundation nurturing youth athletes. His net worth is around USD 20 million .

10. Sidney Martin – The Pragmatic Land Developer

Finally, we have Sidney Martin, quietly building wealth through agriculture, construction, and energy sectors. His savvy in land development has positioned him comfortably among our richest, with an estimated net worth of around USD 30 million.

Why These Stories Matter to Us, Dear Reader

Look around, my sibling—from Windhoek to Grootfontein—these names are more than numbers. They reflect the heartbeat of our economy:

• Diversity of Industries: From bricks to banks, models to media, farms to franchises.

• Legacy and Innovation: Some built from nothing (Indongo, Hauwanga), others stewarded legacies (Thieme, Tromps), and women like Prinsloo and Nakazibwe built with grace and persistence.

• Inspiration: They show us that whether you start with bricks or brains—or both—you can rise.

Conclusion

My dear, I hope their stories spark something in your heart. May our children from Otjiwarongo to Oshakati grow up knowing that vision, grit, and kindness can build wealth and change. Wealth isn’t just money—it’s schools, jobs, hope, and pride.

So let’s pass this on, we nurture our dreams like fields, and who knows—maybe, one day, your story will warm another heart like mine is warming you today.

Stay blessed, and keep dreaming.