Staff Writer
The Namibia Local Business Association (NALOBA) has expressed concern that the ongoing Namibia-China Business Summit could expose local businesses to unfair competition, arguing that Namibian entrepreneurs were excluded from discussions ahead of the investment mission.
Vice president Kanu Amadhila said the association did not participate in the summit currently taking place in China, where President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is leading the Namibian delegation.
NALOBA claimed that such investment missions often result in foreign businesses entering the local market to compete with Namibian enterprises, while opportunities that could be undertaken by local businesses are instead awarded to foreign investors.
The association further argued that government should have engaged local business representatives before the trip to identify Namibia’s priority investment needs and develop a common strategy for the mission.
While expressing confidence in President Nandi-Ndaitwah’s leadership, NALOBA said it believes she is surrounded by advisers who do not adequately prioritise the interests of local businesses.
The association reiterated its commitment to engaging government on policies that promote and protect Namibian-owned businesses and called for the swift implementation of the Foreign Investment Law. It also urged government to prioritise investors who contribute to industrial development over small-scale retail operations.
