SMEs drive economic growth

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are important drivers of growth, employment and innovation in and around the northern town of Ondangwa. It is against this background that the town council has prioritised this important sector by providing business training sessions for local SMEs. The training involves business management, bookkeeping and customer care.Gerhard Sam, the council's manager for local economic development and marketing, says SMEs are the drivers of economic growth and job creation, which ultimately supports efforts to reduce poverty in Namibia. “We reserve ample exhibition space for the SMEs to showcase their products. We believe that this is the ideal space needed for SMEs to market and demonstrate their products or services to the people. I therefore urge the local entrepreneurs to make use of the opportunity created and market their services and products,” he says. “During the Ondangwa Trade and Industrial Exhibition we often organise business coaching or training sessions for local SMEs in areas such as business management, bookkeeping and customer care. The introduction of awards for exhibitors also motivates them greatly. They in return get recognition from others, boost customer confidence and trust in their services and goods.” Sam says there is a strong demand from SMEs to participate in the exhibition, judging by the overwhelming number of applications received. For food and beverages stalls, the organisers received up to 200 applications and only 30 applicants could be accommodated.There is also a huge demand for space in the tent accommodating vendors of traditional products. “We are happy to announce that many of our exhibitors who attended our business development training over the past years, particularly food and beverage exhibitors, are now providing catering services to local banks, corporates and to council functions,” said Sam.Council spokesperson Petrina Shitalangaho says this year the town has spent approximately N$200 000 on improving 25 general stalls earmarked for SMEs. ILENI NANDJATO

SMEs drive economic growth

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-07-01

Please login to leave a comment

SMEs drive economic growth

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-07-01

Please login to leave a comment

Login