Erongo Governor Calls on Entrepreneurs to Embrace Sustainability for a Better Future

SWAKOPMUND — The Governor of Erongo Region, Neville Andre Itope, has emphasized the critical role entrepreneurs can play in fostering a sustainable future during a recent event focused on business and innovation.

According to Namibian Press Agency, presented on his behalf, entrepreneurs have the potential to significantly influence society by incorporating sustainability and social responsibility into their business strategies. He argued that this integration is key to forming resilient businesses that prosper while contributing to societal and environmental well-being.

The governor’s remarks came at the opening of the Know to Grow, Next Generation (K2G NextGen) Entrepreneurs Showcase 2023 on Thursday. This initiative, driven by the Namibian Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) and funded by Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) Namibia, is designed to uplift youth and women-owned Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

The event seeks to bolster MSMEs by improving market access and providing opportunities for capacity building, thereby aiding them in fueling economic activity in Namibia.

Dino Balloti, NIPDB’s Executive Director for MSME Development, Innovation and Acceleration, described the showcase as a dynamic environment for entrepreneurs to share their stories, network, and learn in ways that can benefit their business endeavors.

Highlighting the vital nature of entrepreneurship in addressing social challenges and spurring economic vitality, Balloti underscored the showcase’s objective to assist businesses in scaling up their operations.

CCBA Namibia’s Director of Public Affairs, Communication, and Sustainability, Enid Johr, acknowledged the significance of MSMEs within the economy, citing their ability to generate employment and stimulate economic growth. She articulated that the theme of this year’s showcase, ‘Sustaining communities, unlocking growth, and promoting inclusivity’, resonated with CCBA’s decision to collaborate with NIPDB.

The three-day event has attracted over 45 Namibian MSMEs, offering a platform for them to exhibit their products and services, ranging from agriculture and manufacturing to information communication technology and renewable energy. The showcase also provides an opportunity for participants to engage with business support organizations, including Team Namibia, to foster connections and growth.