Eenhana
The Deputy Minister of Safety and Security, Daniel Kashikola, implored the business community to use existing opportunities, such as the Eenhana Trade and Business Expo, to complement government’s efforts in the war against poverty.
According to Kashikola, government has accomplished a great deal, but advancing the struggle for socio-economic development requires input from various sectors, including the private sector.
“When you grow your business you have contributed to the fight, but if your business is not growing, or you have let it down, then you are not with us. You are only with us if your business is better today than it was yesterday,” remarked Kashikola.
Kashikola made the remarks at the opening of the eighth Eenhana Trading and Business Expo on Wednesday.
Kashikola also implored upcoming and established businesspeople to engage in manufacturing so that Namibia’s goal of becoming an industrialisation nation by 2030 can be realised.
He said local manufacturing would add value to Namibia’s resources and products. “Government can only facilitate and create a conducive environment, however Namibia’s prosperity starts with manufacturing,” he reiterated.
Kashikola further implored school learners to pay special attention to the study of mathematics and the sciences in order to acquire the needed skills to produce finished products from Namibia’s raw materials.
“If we are to prosper the challenge is for us to engage in manufacturing,” Kashikola said. He also condemned the tendency of some companies who buy goods from foreign retail shops for resale in the villages. Instead, he urged entrepreneurs to look into opportunities whereby foreign companies can also buy local products made by Namibians.
This year’s expo aims to bring together people from different business backgrounds and trades to showcase their products and services. In addition, it also offers exhibitors an opportunity to share ideas, network and find strategies to grow their business.
The Deputy Minister of Safety and Security called upon the exhibitors at Eenhana to use the opportunity to network and make new contacts.
“This is not just an opportunity to demonstrate what your business or institutions are about, but it should also be an opportunity to establish contacts in similar or related fields,” Kashikola said.
The Mayor of Eenhana, Julia Shikongo, said the expo is an opportunity to attract investors and create awareness among local firms. She admited though, that council had to turn away a large number of exhibitors because of limited available space.
She assured the exhibitors that next year there would be enough room, as council is currently constructing a convention centre to host next year’s expo.
The main sponsor of the expo, Philip Hikumwa, a prominent local business personality, said the expo promotes local business and creates a platform to network and do market research, which plays a crucial role in growing one’s business.