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Arandis promotes SME development

Recognising that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) play a major role in income generation and economic growth in Arandis, various initiatives were deployed over the past five years to stimulate the development of SMEs. According to Andrew !Hoaeb, communications officer of Arandis Town Council, support has been provided to the Arandis SMEs through enterprise and entrepreneurial capacity building for existing and emerging entrepreneurs.
This has been done by way of upgrading business skills and it has contributed to business growth and employment creation. Recently, the municipal council completed the construction of an additional six units at its Trade Centre for formal SMEs.
Currently, 11 units have been completed and council has also submitted project proposals for funding in order to complete the facility.
“The council will construct an Open Market next year for informal traders,” !Hoaeb said.
The centre compliments other measures put in place to further develop SMEs including the establishment of the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s branch as well as initiatives by the Erongo Development Foundation.
“A number of SMEs also became very successful through participating in the trade fairs hosted in Namibia every year,” !Hoaeb said.
The trade centre aims at giving small businesses the opportunity and platform to make a meaningful  contribution to their own lives and the economy.
Meanwhile, as part of ongoing efforts to promote business activities and opportunities, the 5th Erongo Regional Youth Enterprise Expo was held last week in Arandis.
This year’s Erongo Regional Youth Expo was also a success as it brought together entrepreneurs, mainly the youth to share best practises and showcase their products and services.
The expo featured a number of activities. This included a show that featured renowned musicians such as Raphael and Pele, Vanity, Imelda, Ondarata and Georgy amongst others, as well as the Miss Erongo beauty pageant.
The expo also featured an exhibition showcasing a variety of products and services as well as an open day session that took place on 2 December. Various speakers included the Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Hage Geingob, Minister of Finance, Sara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, Cleophas Mutjavikua, governor of the Erongo region, Asser Kapere, chairman of the National Council and Mandela Kapere, executive chairperson of National Youth Council.

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