Ondangwa: The Ondangwa Town Council (OTC) successfully concluded a one-day business development training session on Monday, aimed at empowering 40 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and bolstering the local economy. The training provided valuable insights and skills to entrepreneurs from the Ondangwa Open Market and local youth.
According to Namibia Press Agency, about 40 participants actively engaged in the training, benefiting from the council’s initiative to foster business growth through its Local Economic Development and Marketing Strategy. During the opening of the session, Deputy Mayor Ester Auala said the Ondangwa Town Council has developed various strategies, including the Local Economic Development and Marketing Strategy, aimed at enhancing business growth and fostering the local economy.
Auala highlighted the global significance of MSMEs, saying, “Globally, MSMEs are considered the backbone of every economy and pivotal in driving economic growth, innovation, job creation, and social integration.” Acknowledging the challenges often faced by MSMEs, such as limited trading spaces, capacity constraints in innovation and skills, and marketing difficulties, Auala emphasised the importance of such training initiatives.
She encouraged the participants to actively apply the newly acquired knowledge and skills to their business ventures. “I urge every participant to make the most of this opportunity and apply the knowledge and skills gained here to their business operations,” she said.
She also stressed that the time is now for the private sector to lead the way, expand, innovate and develop an economy which is less dependent on government spending. “Currently, we import many of the products we consume. It is crucial to create local supply chains within our economies to begin producing what we consume,” she said.