Digital for SMEs

Namibia’s efforts to boost the small business sector needs to be commended, however, the bigger challenge is to create SMEs which meet the needs of the 21st century, said FNB’s, Acting Head of the SME Division Joram Naove Ngutjinazo.

“Before the start of the 21st century, discussions on SMEs were rhetorical but currently the subject is firmly on the national agenda because economic hardship is forcing individuals and the government to explore alternative sources of income or economic growth. Significantly, the SME agenda is gaining prominence during a phase in which businesses are increasingly under pressure to adapt to the needs of 21st century consumers.”  Ngutjinazo said there are a few key attributes of a 21st century business which SMEs must also adopt for instance, a web presence, innovation, lifetyle marketing, a business vision, agility, presence and trending, especially through digital channels. “It is without a doubt that Namibia has the capability to create SMEs that meet the needs of the 21st century. The message we need to instil is that our SMEs need to address these needs for the benefit of the modern consumer,” he said.