OMUTHIYA – The Namibia Chambers of Commerce and Industry (NCCI) Oshikoto branch seeks to rejuvenate itself as Covid-19 rages on, causing some businesses to collapse while others fail to pick up. This is according to NCCI Oshikoto branch chairperson Sacky Kathindi.
In an interview, Kathindi said there is still room to revive the sector, although the industry is counting more loses than gains. Among such measures, he says, will be to have an office where up-to-date information is shared from, as opposed to now where the region is without an office.

“Without an office, I am forced to work from home to organise meetings and workshops with stakeholders, which comes at a cost to me. Therefore, I call upon the business fraternity that we work on having a regional information desk where all these issues can be handled,” he remarked.

He also urged the community to not only look at the negative effects of the pandemic but to also diversify their business models, such as shifting to agriculture and construction, as these look promising and could increase the chances of survival, which add to both food and job security.

Furthermore, the chairperson noted with concern regarding the continued trend, whereby existing and start-up business people still find it difficult to obtain funding from financial institutions, arguing that this derails all aspects for growth.

He, in the same vein, turned the fireball at entrepreneurs, saying they are sometimes to blame, as they fail to come up with bankable ideas. 
Kathindi thus emphasised this can always work better when there is an information hub where such people can be mentored.
“Apart from that, land availability in settlements and developing towns is still another cause of concern, as businesses are exposed to rent, which comes at a higher cost. The lack of roads and infrastructure also hampers diversification, as businesses find it unconducive to invest there,” added Kathindi, who prides himself of having transformed the industry in the region by providing all needed information timely to those affected.

Kathindi also boasted that he was able to broker with various stakeholders, resulting in valuable partnerships. This was also facilitated by the involvement with constituency development committees, who convey information further into remote areas.
“I would, therefore, like to urge our business fraternity that hard times never kills and quitters never will; hence, those willing to venture should join the league as it aims on working tirelessly to advocate for the benefit of the industry,” he concluded.