Africa will only be able to overcome developmental challenges to attain “The Africa We Want” if governments and individuals uphold the principles of inclusivity by pulling together towards a common goal, Minister in the Presidency Christine //Hoebes has said.

//Hoebes was speaking on Thursday at the opening of the second edition of the Discover Namibia Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) and Township Economy Investment Expo and Intra-Africa Business Conference taking place in Swakopmund.

According to the minister, forums such as the Discover Namibia Conference share the same objective, that of promoting equitable outcomes, by ensuring that young people and women trading as MSMEs in township and rural economies, are not left behind.

“These interventions by Government and the private sector are necessary to champion and domesticate the transformational opportunity of reaching everyone, particularly for young people and women to take full advantage of the opportunities presented through the implementation of the AfCFTA,” she said.

//Hoebes added that too many Namibians continue to face the scourge of poverty and economic exclusion daily and young people are searching for a way out of economic hardship and towards economic inclusion and empowerment.

“The status quo cannot continue and therefore Government will continue to address structural imbalances hindering the economic aspirations of our young population,” she expressed.

Established in 2022, the conference is the brainchild of the Africa Economic leadership Council (AELC), an organisation established to impact the manner in which entrepreneurs engage with one another.

AELC co-founder and president, Heinrich Hafeni Nghidipaya said the conference is a platform for local MSMEs to showcase their products and services, attract investment, and promote economic growth, which in turn leads to employment creation, among others.

“'This year, AELC decided to re-strategise to focus more on the development of township economy and MSMEs promotion,” he said.

Close to 100 exhibitors and delegates participating in the three-day event.

The Discover Namibia conference is taking place under the Theme: 'Unlocking Intra-Africa Trade Opportunities for MSMEs, Townships and Grassroots Economies.'

Source: The Namibian Press Agency