Women must lead NCCI - Namundjebo-Tilahun

The outgoing board president of the Namibian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI), Martha Namundjebo-Tilahun, says more businesswomen should assume leadership positions in the Chamber. Namundjebo-Tilahun commended the Chamber for electing three women to its board at its recent annual general meeting (AGM). According to her, this was the first time it had happened. The new female board members are the CEO of TransNamib, Saara Naanda, who was as elected as second vice-president, the CEO of the Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund, Rosalia Martins-Hausiku, and businesswoman Esther Akwaake. Namundjebo-Tilahun said it is “pleasing” that all the directors who left the board were replaced by women. “The progression of women into leadership positions in various business organisations including the Chamber has been a subject which is very close to my heart,” she said. Namundjebo-Tilahun made the remarks as she stepped down as the ninth president of NCCI board. NCCI CEO Tarah Shaanika said the women were chosen in a regulated, democratic, transparent and inclusive voting process. “The election of such high-calibre and experienced leaders is testament to the NCCI’s resolve and we are counting on the board to steer the Chamber leadership through the newly adopted strategy implementation process,” Shaanika was quoted on the Chamber’s website. At the AGM Namundjebo-Tilahun was replaced as board president by the executive chairperson of the Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group of Companies, Sven Thieme. Namundjebo-Tilahun said the Chamber is now in a stronger financial position than it was before she took over from her predecessor, John Akapandi Endjala. “Our tax liabilities which were accumulated in the past were completely cleared since the last AGM while the Chamber is now fully compliant with its tax obligations.” She added that the NCCI has expanded its branch network from 19 branches four years ago to 27 today. “Equally, public-private sector dialogue at local level has improved significantly over the past three years.” “The reorganisation of the Secretariat, which we began implementing during the last financial year, has proven to be a fruitful exercise.” Namundjebo-Tilahun said this resulted in the establishment of a department within the Secretariat which is dealing with Advocacy and Research. This will provide a strong focus on dialogue with the government and impact on policy and legislative reforms needed for the improvement of the business world. She emphasised that as a partner and chairperson of the United Africa Group, she will continue to make contributions to the Chamber. The NCCI AGM resolved that its past presidents will continue to serve on the board, including Namundjebo-Tilahun, Inge Zaamwani-Kamwi and Endjala. Honorary membership of the board was bestowed upon Navin Morar and Dr Leake Hangala.