NCCI launches fifth innovative awards
Founding President Sam Nujoma at the launch of the SNIEDA Awards. (Photo contributed)
The awards were launched in the capital at a ceremony attended by Patron and former President Sam Nujoma, business leaders and aspiring business people.
During the launch, the NCCI got pledges of N$175,000 from those in attendance against a target of N$200,000.
The money will be used to organise the awards.
Speaking at the launch, Nujoma said the awards, open to all Small and Medium Enterprises, must continue to grow and inspire SMEs to develop enterprises, not only for personal gain but also for national development.
“The winners of the awards will be inspired and indeed encouraged to put more efforts in their enterprises.
The winners will also serve as role models inspiring their peers in this path of enterprise development, growth and success,” Nujoma said.
Also speaking at the launch, CEO of the NCCI Tara Shaanika said entrepreneurship forms the foundation of every economy. He said the strength of an economy depends on the innovativeness and level of drive of the entrepreneurs operating in that given economy.
Shaanika said while Namibia does not lack entrepreneurs, what is needed is continuous improvement of policy and legislative instruments so that the country is able to keep pace with the ever changing business environment.
“It is necessary for us to put in place support systems which can facilitate and encourage entrepreneurship in Namibia,” he added.
He said, through these awards, the NCCI want to recognise excellence in business, entrepreneurial drive, outstanding innovation and exemplary business leadership.
“We want to use these awards to inspire current and potential entrepreneurs to believe in themselves and aim for the top in the business world.”
Various SMEs will be recognised in different categories which include: The Business Leader of the Year Award; The Business Innovation Award; the Financial Services Award: The Environmental Management Award; The Capacity Building Leader Award, and The Enterprise of the Year Award.
Competition for the 2013 awards started on Wednesday and will close on Friday, 01 November 2013. The competition is open to all Namibian registered businesses. A panel of five independent judges drawn from various backgrounds will analyse and evaluate all entries to determine the winner in all the categories. The award giving ceremony will be held on Tuesday, 12 November 2013.
