Staff Reporter
THE Namibia Local Business Association (NALOBA) wants to be recognised as a partner of the government in ensuring employment and wealth creation for the benefit of the Namibian people.
This is one of the requests that the association’s vice-president, Peter Kanu Amadhila, outlined at an introductory meeting with President Hage Geingob on Wednesday.
Amadhila described NALOBA as being a non-politically affiliated, non-tribalism non-profit association.
He stated that one of the association’s main goals is to represent members’ business interests and needs. He further emphasised that the association is open to all business members and it intends to treat members with respect and dignity.
Amadhila also explained that NALOBA seeks to be engaged in all business-related activities and possible development partnerships with the government.
Moreover, the association also wants to be engaged for advice through consultations in applicable trade procurement and natural resources policies formulations, revisions and amendments.
The final request of the association is to be recognised as a potential All Namibian Natives Business Representative on international business exhibitions and trade-related activities.
Additionally, Amadhila stated that the association encourages foreign investment. However, they want these foreign investors to do what Namibians cannot.
Taking this into account, Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila advised NALOBA to identify the specific challenges that Namibian businesses are faced with and the activities that require foreign investment. She stated that specificity is necessary to have a clear understanding with foreign investors.
“We need to know what is it that we can do as Namibian businesses – who are the people that are doing what, what are their limitations, what can you learn from them – so that we are also not mistaken to be anti-foreign investors,” the Prime Minister explained.
The Prime Minister also urged the association to work towards attracting more business people by having a clear vision and agenda. She stated that this will enable the association to truly represent the interest of the majority of Namibian businesses, which will make it easier for the government to understand the needs of the businesses and assist accordingly.
“We know you are new, but make it your agenda to make sure that you make your mission clear to attract as many people as possible so that eventually we can have a team of indigenous Namibian businesses,” the Prime Minister explained.
President Hage Geingob congratulated the association for its efforts and inclusive agenda, stating that “unity is very important”. However, he stated that more work can be done to attract and include more business people from different backgrounds.
