BANGALORE, India – Depending on the outcome of a pre-feasibility study currently being conducted, Namibia may soon boast its very first Entrepreneurial College.
In fact, confidence in the assessment of the practicality of the proposed Entrepreneurial College is of such a nature that government officials are already investigating suitable land just outside Windhoek for the institution. This development was revealed by the Minister of Trade and Industry, Calle Schlettwein, during the first of a six-day visit to the city of Bangalore in India. Cabinet has already, in principle, approved the establishment of such an institution. “The government is conducting the pre-feasibility study, which amongst others is determining the demands and needs of such a college.
This is being done in consultation with the University of Namibia and the Polytechnic of Namibia”, said Schlettwein.
“I really think the establishment of such an institution is important, because it will teach our people how to become effective entrepreneurs and it will also enable government institutions and agencies to monitor the development of the entrepreneurial sector within the country,” remarked Koos van Staden, Senior Manager Industrial and Entrepreneurial Development of the Namibia Development Corporation. “An Entrepreneurial College also means the country will move together in the direction of industrialization and it would be greatly beneficial for the development of the sector”, added Van Staden. A veteran of entrepreneurial development, Van Staden is adamant that an institution of this nature would foster the necessary technical and leadership skills to put Namibia on the fast-track towards industrialization. Industry experts have also expressed the opinion that the Entrepreneurial College would complement existing institutions such as the University of Namibia, the Polytechnic of Namibia (soon to be known as the Namibian University of Science and Technology), as well as vocational training centres.
“The establishment of such an institution will enable our youth to develop to their full potential,” noted Van Staden. Van Staden is currently attending the 2014 Partnership Summit in India to specifically explore the establishment of global value chains, which he feels can enhance business in Namibia.
By Edgar Brandt