By Eveline de Klerk
WALVIS BAY – The procurement manager of Namport, Jackson Kapuka, says it is up to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to position themselves in such a way that they link up with international companies or partners to benefit from tenders at Namport if they don’t meet the requirements on their own.
Kapuka was speaking at the two-day information-sharing session aimed at capacitating local SMEs with knowledge about various products and services on offer. The conference was hosted by the Walvis Bay Municipality.
He said many of the procurements for Namport come from outside the country as Namibia does not manufacture the big equipment used in the port.
“That is why in the past most of those big contracts were awarded to companies outside Namibia. However with the current decision taken by Namport that all its tenders and projects will from now on be awarded to wholly Namibian companies or joint ventures, whereby Namibians have the bigger portion of such entity, should be encouraging SMEs to seek partners outside the country,” he explained.
He said some Namibians may not necessarily have the required capital and know-how to readily take up the challenge and this is where the partner could play a role.
“However, when you submit your tender you must make sure that your tender document is neat and in order and that all required documents are attached and what you say in your tender documents is a true reflection of what your company offers,” he explained.
Kapuka urged that Namibians also venture into other opportunities that come along with the port’s expansion such as tourism, logistics and hospitality.
Other facilitators of the two-day session included SME Compete, Development Bank of Namibia, SME Bank, Erongo RED and Namibia Procurement Fund
Speaking at the official opening of the information session, Deputy Mayor of Walvis Bay, Benson Uakumba, said that the council felt it fit to host such a gathering since they saw a need for sharing valuable information with entrepreneurs.
He explained that SMEs collectively hold the ambition to grow not only their own businesses but also employment creation and development of the economy.
Uakumba also asked that institutions such as SME Compete consider shifting their services closer to the people and open offices where they are in demand. The organisation has decided to close its offices at Narraville, Walvis Bay due to a lack of interest