Martin Endjala
The Rally for Democracy Party’s (RDP) president and former small business consultant, Mike Kavekotora criticised the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board’s (NIPDB) international missions.
Kavekotora argued that quantifying the benefits of these trips for Namibian businesses is challenging, particularly when considering the possibility of securing some opportunities through the private sector.
“In general terms, however, the Namibian government is known for undertaking these NIPDB trips without mapping out the anticipated outcome,” he argued.
The NIPDB this week invited business people to participate in upcoming investment attraction missions to Ghana, Russia, Cuba, Angola, Brazil and China.
The trips will be undertaken between 17 September and 10 November.
The invitation states that the purpose of these trips is to further develop economic collaboration and explore new investment opportunities.
Kavetokora voiced concerns about inadequate prior planning, which he believes leads to the inefficient use of scarce resources.
Kavekotora further urged the NIPDB to provide transparency regarding the benefits accrued to Namibian businesses from these trips.
“The NIPDB must inform the public of the benefits accrued to Namibian businesses as a result of the trip,” he argued.
Last year, the NIPDB organized several international missions aimed at exposing Namibian business people to African and global networking opportunities that could potentially lead to investments or business agreements.
In response, NIPDB’s CEO, Nangula Uaandja stressed that while the board strives to maximise exposure for Namibian delegations, businesses must take the initiative to capitalise on these opportunities.
“While the NIPDB will do its best to obtain maximum exposure for Namibia delegations, the ultimate responsibility for ensuring companies benefit lies with themselves,” she explained.
In terms of past successes, she said that questions can only be answered by companies that attended the events.
Uaandja explained that the invitation is voluntary and is made to interested companies that have already identified the need and importance of attending such events.
