Arandis wants downstream investors

The second Arandis Investment Conference and Mineral, Mining and Energy Expo took place from 25 to 27 April to serve as a catalyst for downstream investments for the Town of Arandis.
The conference and expo were hosted by the Arandis Town Council under the theme,“ Arandis finding financial Solutions for Development Initiatives.”
The 2-day conference focused on the investment potential that Arandis holds due to its strategic geographical location and the potential of the town’s growth in industrialisation, education and mining tourism, and particularly in servicing the mining industry in the Erongo Region.
Giving a general overview of the conference in an interview with The Economist, Florida Husselmann, Chief Executive Officer of Arandis Town said the conference was a success since the organisers have reached their target in terms of the two events [the conference and expo].
She said the most critical aspect of the conference was the adoption of Recommendations that would enable Arandis to find financial solutions for sustainable development initiatives adding that it was “satisfying, because it created a lot of awareness on Arandis in the whole of Namibia and many positive discussions were held during the conference.”
According to Husselmann, the main challenges faced by the Arandis Town Council in preparation for the event was changing the perception of Arandis and securing buy-in.
“Therefore, we would like to sincerely express our gratitude to all our sponsors who believe in our vision and who have become our development partners in this fight for economic emancipation.  The Mining Expo which will be taking place in Windhoek during May also challenged us in terms of attracting mining exhibitors,” she said.
Approximately 120 participants attended the conference and the Mineral, Mining and Energy Expo including the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Hon. Tjkekero Tweya, as well as various senior representatives of the mining industry. Tweya is the designated conference patron.
The Mineral, Mining and Energy Expo also attracted 60 exhibitors with 54 being non-mining exhibitors and mostly SMEs.
Officiating at the conference opening, Tweya said the conference is an important opportunity to Arandis to secure investment that can create sustainable employment opportunities to its community and the Erongo Region.
“In this connection, the Ministry of Trade and Industry will continue to support your initiatives and programmes aimed at assisting existing upcoming and potential investors like the small and medium entrepreneurs (SMEs) to develop, grow and expand their businesses. In addition, the ministry will continue to create a conducive environment for the development of new businesses in our economy so that investment is protected by the law of this brave nation,” he said.
Riding the momentum, Husselmann said “We are looking forward to our next event that will continue to strengthen the efforts of the Arandis Town Council to bring about sustainable economic development.”