Staff Reporter<\/p>\n\n\n\n
ENTREPRENEURS are the economic soldiers of our nation. They create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and support countless families, said Cecilia Kamati, Chairperson of the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry\u2019s Oshikuku Branch and Deputy Mayor of Oshikuku Town in the Omusati Region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kamati issued a press release Thursday lamenting that many business owners currently face significant challenges, including financial constraints, economic uncertainty, and increasing attacks on their reputations through social media platforms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Many successful entrepreneurs find themselves subjected to unfounded allegations and public criticism without adequate legal or institutional protection. This does not only damage individual businesses but also discourages investment, innovation, and entrepreneurship,” she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kamati, who serves in both public office and the private sector, said she felt compelled to raise a matter of national importance: the growing challenges facing Namibian entrepreneurs and businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She proposed that Government establish a formal framework to recognise businesses that have demonstrated growth, sustainability, and meaningful contributions to the Namibian economy. “Such recognition should be accompanied by stronger mechanisms to protect businesses and entrepreneurs against malicious cyberbullying, character assassination, and digital defamation,” she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She further called on Government to consider establishing a dedicated Entrepreneurial Banking Fund aimed at supporting local businesses with affordable financing and growth opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Across Namibia, we continue to witness businesses downsizing or closing their doors. Every day brings news of another enterprise struggling to survive. We all understand the economic realities that have contributed to this situation. Economic growth is slowing, and urgent interventions are needed to restore confidence and stimulate business activity,” Kamati said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to Kamati, supporting entrepreneurs is not merely supporting individuals \u2014 it is protecting jobs, communities, and the future prosperity of our nation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kamati called on all stakeholders \u2014 Government, financial institutions, the private sector, and development partners \u2014 to work together to find practical solutions that will strengthen and protect Namibian businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Our entrepreneurs are valuable contributors to national development. By creating an enabling environment for business growth, investment, and innovation, we can collectively safeguard jobs, stimulate economic activity, and build a more prosperous Namibia for future generations,” she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She added that the challenges facing the business community require urgent attention, constructive dialogue, and coordinated action. “This is not a call for blame, but a call for partnership. The success of our entrepreneurs is the success of Namibia. Together, we can ensure that Namibia remains a nation where entrepreneurship is encouraged, protected, and celebrated,” Kamati said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She is urging business owners across Namibia to stand together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“When one entrepreneur is subjected to unfair attacks, cyberbullying, or defamation, the business community must respond with unity and solidarity. Together, we are stronger, more resilient, and better positioned to contribute to national development,” she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In recent months, several prominent business personalities in northern Namibia, particularly in the Ohangwena, Omusati, and Oshana regions, have been targeted by defamatory posts and viral videos on Facebook, TikTok, and WhatsApp groups. Allegations ranging from fraud to exploitation have circulated without evidence, often anonymously. Local business owners say the attacks damage customer trust overnight and force some SMEs to close. Police have opened cases of crimen injuria and defamation in Oshakati and Ondangwa, but Kamati says legal protection remains slow and costly for most entrepreneurs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PICTURED: Cecilia Kamati, Deputy Mayor of Oshikuku Town and Chairperson of the local NCCI branch.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Staff Reporter ENTREPRENEURS are the economic soldiers of our nation. They create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and support countless families, said Cecilia Kamati, Chairperson of the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry\u2019s Oshikuku Branch and Deputy Mayor of Oshikuku Town in the Omusati Region. Kamati issued a press release Thursday lamenting that many business owners …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":396836,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[24],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-396835","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-news"],"yoast_head":"\n