SWAKOPMUND - The stage is set for the Discover Namibia’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Township Economy Expo that is expected to take place from 29 June and 1 July at the Mondesa Multipurpose Centre in Swakopmund.
The event organised by Hafeni Heinrich Nghidipaya, the co-founder of the African Economic Leadership Council (AELC), is set to attract over 100 exhibitors throughout the African continent as well as local AELCs.
Its mandate is to promote networking and linkages between emerging and established entrepreneurs to strengthen intra-Africa trade in line with AU Agenda 2063 of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).
His co-founder is South African business personality, Percy Morapedi Koji.
Speaking to New Era yesterday, Nghidipaya said he is excited the expo presents the perfect opportunity to Small and Medium Enterprises to showcase their products and services not only on a local level but also to the rest of Africa. According to Nghidipaya, this year AELC decided to re-strategise to focus more on the development of township economy and MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises) promotion.
“This event will serve as a platform for local MSMEs from different sectors of the economy to showcase their products and services, network with other stakeholders, attract investment, and promote economic growth which in turn leads to employment creation. Hence the decision to host it in the township,” he explained.
According to him, the AELC is a Pan-African business organisation inspired by AU (African Union) Agenda 2063 to promote inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development.
The organisation was launched on 6 April 2021 in Swakopmund which serves as its headquarters and held its maiden Discover Namibia Intra Africa Expo Summit in May 2022 in Swakopmund.
He added that the imitative was inspired by the belief that every Namibian and African should have the opportunity to be empowered with adequate resources and to live a fulfilling life, no matter where they are born or where they are from.
Apart from the trade show, the summit will, among others, host a conference that focuses on unlocking intra-African trade opportunities for small entrepreneurs, townships, and grassroots economies, while local authorities and town councils will have the opportunity to present investment opportunities to local and international business people.
-edeklerk@nepc.com