Trade and industrialisation minister Lucia Iipumbu has called on various categories of entrepreneurs to approach her ministry for training that could aid their businesses.
Iipumbu extended this invitation during a recent community engagement with the informal traders in the Moses//Garoeb constituency.
The aim of the meeting was to engage community members and discuss various matters related to business and entrepreneurial development.
During the engagement, the minister also shed more light on various initiatives undertaken by her ministry to support emerging enterprises.
Iipumbu stressed that government, through the trade ministry, has committed a portion of its budget to cater for the development of various enterprises.
“Through our Equipment Aid Scheme and Industrial Upgrading and Modernisation Programmes, we aim to assist existing businesses to grow through additional capacity,” she added.
The minister said these programmes are tailor-made to specifically address a shortage of capabilities, which limit businesses to thrive.
“Our commitment is that, together with the constituency office, we will ensure that information on these opportunities is availed on time so that you may participate duly,” she said.
Moreover, Iipumbu urged the youth to continue capitalising on multi-faceted skills and innovations to bring about unique products and services.
“The ministry will be inaugurating the Startups Centre soon. The Startups Centre aims to boost and encourage innovation and a competitive business ecosystem. Through this centre, we are striving to drive job creation and improve productivity,” she stated.
She elaborated the project will enable entrepreneurs to foster new ideas to stimulate innovation.
“We believe that combining innovation and digitalisation with traditional industries presents new opportunities. Additionally, we are committed to promoting trade and investment both within our borders and beyond,” the minister added.
The minister further noted the Moses
//Garoeb constituency boasts immense potential in various aspects, and said it is imperative this potential is harnessed to attract investment and create employment opportunities. Iipumbu also told community members the ministry remains committed to the Growth at Home mantra to reinforce the importance of accelerating economic growth, reducing income inequality and increasing employment.
“The MIT in executing our mandate has other institutions carrying out complementary activities resorting under the ministry. This is done through the Business and Intellectual Property Authority for registration of businesses, Namibian Competition Commission in terms of regulations of unfair competitiveness and the Namibian Standards Institution, which certifies all your products and services to be suitable for the market,” the minister noted.
-fthamalwa@nepc.com.na
Photo: MIT
Caption: Economic growth… Lucia Iipumbu, trade and industrialisation minister, has reiterated the importance of accelerating economic growth and increasing employment opportunities.
Photo: Festus Hamalwa