SWAKOPMUND – Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) executive director for MSME Development, Innovation and Acceleration Dino Ballotti says the board is aware of the country’s unemployment crisis. However, he noted that the crisis also provides opportunities for the relatively young NIPDB to devise targeted solutions.
Ballotti was speaking at the launch of the second edition of NIPDB’s Know2Grow (K2G) NextGen Entrepreneurs programme in Swakopmund this week.
The initiative creates a platform for MSMEs to showcase their business offerings, engage various industry stakeholders, and create linkages with fellow young entrepreneurs.
“We are very intentional about MSME development, and have various initiatives and programmes targeted at MSME support across all levels and in different sectors. This specific one is youth-focused,” he stated.
Ballotti said this year’s programme takes place under the theme ‘Sustaining communities, unlocking growth and promoting inclusivity’.
“The unemployment challenges Namibia is facing creates opportunities for us to implement targeted solutions, such as this initiative aimed at empowering young entrepreneurs, “he noted.
The initiative is expected to address unemployment by creating entrepreneurs, who in turn generate new job opportunities.
Ballotti added that this year’s theme is intentional as it fosters a sustainable ecosystem, and promotes the flourishing communities through the support and advancement of MSMEs.
Erongo governor Neville Andre said in a statement read on his behalf that supporting the growth of the entrepreneurial community and ensuring inclusive benefits for all is crucial, while also applauding the NIPDB.
“Opportunities such as these aim to create a sustainable ecosystem that empowers entrepreneurs, drives economic growth, and fosters an equitable and inclusive future, “he observed.
He also expressed gratitude towards the Namibian office of Coca-Cola Beverages Africa, who sponsored N$550 000 towards the project, as well as the Swakopmund municipality, which sponsored N$ 10 000. – edeklerk@nepc.com.na
Photo: NIPDB
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