Niël Terblanché
More than 100 exhibitors from across Africa are expected to participate in Discover Namibia’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Township Economy Expo that is scheduled for this comin weekend at the Mondesa Multipurpose Centre in Swakopmund.
The event is organised by Hafeni Heinrich Nghidipaya, the co-founder of the African Economic Leadership Council (AELC).
The AELC promotes networking between emerging and established entrepreneurs to strengthen intra-Africa trade in line with AU Agenda 2063 of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).
Nghidipaya said he is excited by the fact that the expo will present the perfect opportunity for Small and Medium Enterprises to showcase their products and services not only on a local level but also to the rest of Africa.
According to Nghidipaya, the AELC decided to focus more on the development of the township economy and MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises) promotion during this year’s event
“This event will serve as a platform for local MSMEs from different sectors of the economy to showcase their products and services, network with other stakeholders, attract investment, and promote economic growth which in turn leads to employment creation. Hence the decision to host it in the township,” he said.
The AELC was launched on 6 April 2021 in Swakopmund and is a Pan-African business organisation inspired by AU (African Union) Agenda 2063 to promote inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development.
The organisation held its maiden Discover Namibia Intra Africa Expo Summit in May 2022 in Swakopmund.
Nghidipaya said the initiative was inspired by the belief that every Namibian and African should have the opportunity to be empowered with adequate resources and to live a fulfilling life, no matter where they are born or what their economic backgrounds are.
Along with the expo, the AELC also plans to host a summit that will focus on unlocking intra-African trade opportunities for small entrepreneurs, townships, and grassroots economies where local authorities and town councils will have the opportunity to present investment opportunities to local and international business people.
