WINDHOEK
New Era recently spoke to Homateni S.F. Ndahangoudja, sole owner of Pratelova Universal Investment cc on his dream of becoming an entrepreneur and self-sustainable, leaving no stone untouched to realise his vision.
New Era (NE): What a strange name for a company, can you tell us why ‘Pratelova’ and what it means?
Homateni S.F. Ndahangoudja (HN): My mother completed her doctorate in the Czech Republic and inspired me to use this name which means “friendship” in the Czech language.
NE: What is it that drove you to become an entrepreneur and what is your field of specialization?
HN: As a qualified IT technician I used to work for other people but when I saw the opportunity to grow I decided to open my own company.
NE: How did you manage to start up your business?
HN: I used my own savings together with some financial assistance from my mother.
NE: Is this a one-man show or are there other people involved in your business?
HN: I currently employ six Namibian casuals on a 50/50 gender base.
NE: Apart from providing IT services, are there any other services you are offering?
HN: We also do printing, designing and branding of posters, T-shirts, etc.
NE: If awarded a government tender what is it that will make you different from the rest?
HN: I will rather take unemployed, unskilled youth on board in order to employ and upgrade them instead of going for luxuries such as expensive vehicles and houses.
NE: As a very young and upcoming company what are the challenges facing you out there?
HN: Competition is very high and it is sometimes very difficult to penetrate the market as there are already big established companies in place that are more in demand.
NE: Cases of corruption in the procurement process are reported daily. What is your view on this?
HN: Corruption exists in this world but it is difficult to be proven. One has to stay focused and keep on tendering for projects until your turn eventually comes.
NE: What do you think separates you from the rest of all other small tenderers?
HN: I am determined, flexible, and goal-oriented. I never give up easily in life; failure just makes me grow stronger. In addition I convert challenges into opportunities.
NE: What strategies do you have in place in terms of financing your company in the long run?
HN: I will be travelling abroad very soon in order to try attracting foreign investment and furthermore intend to obtain a loan from local financial institutions.
NE: What are your future plans with Pratelova Universal Investment?
HN: I want to expand my IT business through buying more modernized equipment in order to take on bigger projects. I also intend in future to venture on a small scale into the construction and renovation industry.
NE: Anything else you want to share with the public?
HN: When I establish myself in the industry I really want to start giving back to the community through donations and employment creation.