Hertta-Maria Amutenja
The town of Helao Nafidi is currently facing a pressing issue that affects its local traders.
The shortage of adequate trading platforms and open markets has compelled many traders to resort to selling their wares along the streets, a practice that is at odds with the town’s regulations.
According to the Minister of Industrialisation and Trade Lucia Ipimbu, who spoke at the official opening of the 16th edition of the Helao Nafidi Business Expo 2023 last week, the situation has created numerous challenges for the local business community.
Iipumbu acknowledged the struggles faced by traders and expressed the government’s commitment to address the issues when financial resources permit.
“The Ministry of Trade is committed and considering the requests advanced by the Town Council to assist with the construction of open markets when financial resources allow,” Ipumbu remarked.
In addition to addressing the infrastructural challenges, Iipumbu urged the Town Council to explore niche sectors and opportunities within the region, particularly by harnessing the potential of local resources to create jobs, with a focus on the youth population.
“Let us therefore, look at our niche sectors and opportunities in this region, specifically leveraging on our local produce endowments in order to create jobs, especially for our youths, which we need to pay special attention to and turn them into viable businesses. These include agriculture and agro-processing, cosmetics, textiles, tourism, and manufacturing,” she emphasised.
The Helao Nafidi Business Expo 2023 takes a unique approach by emphasising innovation as a means to reinvigorate local businesses and stimulate the regional economy.
Iipumbu expressed her pleasure in the theme of this year’s expo, stating that, “The Helao Nafidi Business Expo is a clear demonstration of the zeal of entrepreneurship and the creative minds of our communities. This is a platform where local businesses, of all sizes, come together to showcase their innovations in the form of products and services”.
Furthermore, the minister underlined the importance of embracing neighbouring country Angola as a key trading partner, promoting tangible value chain development in manufacturing and sourcing of inputs.
This is particularly crucial as a significant market opportunity is opening up through the African Continental Free Trade Area, and preparations are needed to combat the smuggling of products into Namibia.
She concluded by emphasising the ministry’s ambition to see the country’s businesses grow from informal activities and Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises into reputable enterprises.
“This transition can only be achieved through concerted efforts to diversify business portfolios and add value to products. The Helao Nafidi Business Expo serves as a platform for learning valuable business lessons and fostering collaborations that can lead to sustainable business ventures,” she said.
