KEETMANSHOOP – Fluksman Samuehl, the CEO of the Lüderitz Waterfront Development company said the country’s youth can participate more aggressively in the Namibian economy by adopting a culture of entrepreneurship.

This was his view in a preview of the upcoming Youth Entrepreneurial Mentorship Conference and Expo slated for 27 to 29 July 2022 in the southern coastal town.  

It will be celebrated under the theme ‘Youth Participation in the Namibian Economy by Taking Full Advantage of African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Through Entrepreneurial Innovation’.

 Participants will be addressed by various experts and technocrats in the areas of unemployment, vocational training opportunities, economics, and leadership.

The event will further touch on the untapped opportunities for the youth in the tourism industry, ICT and agriculture.  

“Entrepreneurship is viewed as one of the solutions to high youth unemployment whilst related mentorship and coaching programmes are key elements in preparing future successful businessmen/women,” the CEO said.

Samuehl said mentorship schemes are, therefore, a necessary vehicle that could assist in accomplishing Namibia’s key financial goals in favour of the youth. He also said Namibia continues to be plagued by socio-economic issues, hampering growth of the youth population.

“It is critical that entrepreneurs acquire knowledge, make social networks, and remain alert to business opportunities,” he said. The CEO also urged the youth to identify opportunities by looking into the market, and analysing the gap between needs and availability of the product or service in the market.

“My advice to the youth is, don’t give up, you never fail before you try, continue to work smart and adopt a growth mindset.”

– sklukowski@nepc.com.na