Erongo Region Governor Neville Andre Itope has praised the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) for its efforts in supporting the growth of the entrepreneurial community and ensuring benefits trickle down to society.
In a speech delivered on his behalf at the launch and handover ceremony of the Know2Grow NextGen Entrepreneurs Showcase 2023 in Swakopmund on Tuesday, Itope emphasised the importance of Namibians contributing to the overall success of Namibia’s entrepreneurial youth.
The event, which is the brainchild of the NIPDB, was first held in Tsumeb in 2022 with the aim of providing a platform for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to showcase their businesses and engage with others.
“We aim to foster a sustainable ecosystem that empowers our entrepreneurs, drives economic growth, and creates a more equitable and inclusive future for all youth who have embarked on, or intend to embark on, the journey of entrepreneurship. The entrepreneurial event serves as a testament to our collective commitment to nurturing entrepreneurship and providing opportunities for the next generation of visionaries and trailblazers. Therefore, as a nation, let us remember that success is not solely measured by financial gains but also by the positive impact we make on our society,” stressed Itope.
The second edition of the showcase, scheduled to take place in Swakopmund in November, will be held under the theme: ‘Sustaining communities, unlocking growth, and promoting inclusivity.’
Dino Ballotti, NIPDB’s Executive Director of MSME Development, Innovation, and Acceleration, acknowledged the youth unemployment crisis and said the NIPDB is aware of it.
“The unemployment pandemic provides opportunities for us to implement targeted solutions such as this showcasing, which we believe creates scaling opportunities for MSMEs. In turn, this will generate new job opportunities and inspire young people to be entrepreneurial,” expressed Ballotti.
He further stated that this year’s theme is intentional as it fosters a sustainable ecosystem, promoting the flourishing of communities through the support and advancement of MSMEs.
Coca-Cola Africa Namibia, the main sponsor of the showcase, donated N.dollars 550 000, while the Swakopmund Municipality contributed N.dollars 10 000 towards the event.
Source: The Namibia Press Agency