Namibian businessmen want Govt support  – New Era

LUANDA – Namibian business leaders who attended the U.S.-Africa Business Summit in Angola last week said they are ready to drive job creation and growth but need stronger government support and better access to regional markets to succeed.

Many local entrepreneurs say they struggle to attend high-level summits like this due to a lack of financial support from the government. Despite being invited to join the President’s delegation, they said often, they must cover costly registration and travel fees out of pocket.

“We have asked the government many times to at least cover part of the cost,” said Kanu Amadhila, vice president of the Namibian Local Businesses Association (Naloba).

 In an exclusive interview with businesspeople who are part of the Namibian delegation, Amadhila questioned. “If we are not supported in accessing these opportunities, how will we bring back investment to our country?”

Entrepreneurs also want to see better trade agreements with neighbouring countries, particularly Angola, to open markets for Namibian products such as meat, cement, and construction services. 

They argue that cross-border trade could provide a lifeline for farmers and small businesses struggling to expand.

On behalf of the Namibian business leaders, Amadhila is calling on the government to provide stronger support for local entrepreneurs and help unlock regional markets to boost investment and job creation. 

He said local businesses are ready to lead national development but need serious backing to compete and expand.

Amadhila said that while the summit presented exciting investment opportunities in sectors such as oil, gas and green hydrogen, local entrepreneurs struggle to attend such international events due to high costs and a lack of support.

“We appreciate the invitation by Her Excellency, the President, to be part of this important summit. But I must say, informing an entrepreneur to accompany the President without offering financial support is not enough. We’ve pleaded many times with the government to at least pay part of the registration or travel costs so that we can push ourselves into these global spaces,” he stated. 

Amadhila emphasised that local business owners want a bigger stake in emerging industries. 

“Namibians want to participate in these sectors, but we need proper partnerships. Foreign investors must come with big investments that exceed our local capacity, not come to compete in small sectors like airtime sales or brickmaking. Leave those to our people,” he said. 

He praised the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) for its efforts in marketing the country globally but warned that without the deep involvement of local entrepreneurs, government goals such as creating 500 000 jobs may not be achieved.

“The only way to succeed is if the government aligns with the private sector. Capacitate local entrepreneurs. That’s how the President’s job creation dream will be realised,” he said.

Amadhila cited examples from South Africa where former president Thabo Mbeki implemented systems to empower black entrepreneurs like Patrice Motsepe and even President Cyril Ramaphosa, saying, “We need such a system. 

That’s how we build true economic empowerment.” 

“We believe in the vision of our President and government, but they must trust local businesses. Give us the tools, and we will deliver,” he added.

Neighbours

David Shikalepo (Kambwa), a Namibian businessman active in the construction sector, who was also part of the delegation, highlighted the summit’s potential to open trade corridors between Namibia and Angola, particularly in cement supply and meat exports.

Angola is our neighbour and has over 50 million people. Meanwhile, our farmers are producing high-quality beef but struggling to sell it. If we unlock this market, our farmers will produce more, our SMEs will benefit, and the entire Namibian economy will grow,” said Shikalepo.

He said the current obstacles to cross-border trade need urgent attention from both governments. 

“We don’t know what’s blocking these opportunities. That’s why we want our two governments to talk and form agreements so we can collaborate and export our resources to Angola,” the businessman explained. 

Apart from Angola, Shikalepo said Namibia must also look to Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and the Democratic Republic of Congo as regional markets for agriculture and constructionservices.

“Instead of exporting overseas, which is difficult for SMEs, we should focus on our neighbours. These countries are accessible, and our SMEs can meet buyers halfway at the borders or through road and rail transport,” he said.

He added. “Namibia has a strong port and excellent infrastructure. We can become the hub of southern Africa.”

Construction 

Shikalepo, who is well known in Namibia’s construction sector, said he used the summit to hold business-to-business meetings with Angolan contractors. He hopes to form partnerships that allow Namibian contractors to bring their skills to Angola.

“Our contractors are experienced and well-equipped. We can build roads, buildings, and transfer skills. This way we create jobs for Namibians and Angolans,” he said.

While both businessmen expressed hope in the summit’s outcomes, they made it clear that without policy support, financial assistance, and fair access to large-scale investments, local businesspeople will continue to struggle in regional and global markets.

Angolan investor

The summit also highlighted growing interest from Angolan companies in Namibia.

João Filipe, CEO of Cabship Angola, said his company—an established logistics provider for the oil, gas, mining and infrastructure sectors—recently expanded into Namibia and is eager to collaborate.

“We are a traditional Angolan logistics company providing solutions to the oil and gas, mining, and infrastructure industry for the last 16 years. 

We have created close to a thousand jobs, mainly operating in Cabinda, Soyo and Luanda. 

Last year, we registered the company in Namibia, and we’re looking forward to going back to Namibia, working, empowering Namibians and, most importantly, sharing our experience,” he told President Nandi-Ndaitwah during the breakfast that was organised in her honour by the African Business sector. 

Filipe added that Cabship currently manages close to one billion US dollars in assets for its clients and is ready to extend that capacity across the African continent. 

“This is the experience we want to take across Africa. Congratulations, madam,” he said, addressing President Nandi-Ndaitwah, who led Namibia’s delegation.

Businessman Knowledge Katti and many others also form part of the delegation. 

Source link