Industrialisation should include SME sector: Iipumbu

SWAKOPMUND, 22 SEP – In order for industrialisation to happen, the importance of the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) sector should not be underrated.

These were the remarks of Deputy Minister of Industrialisation, Trade and SME Development, Lucia Iipumbu, during a familiarisation tour of projects in the Erongo Region on Friday.

She added that there should be an understanding of the SME sector’s role in the regional economies and how it can improve the support policy environment.

“Our country is looking to industrialise by 2030, however, it is unfortunate that when we talk about industrialisation, we tend to only think of the big industries, such as processing plants, large agricultural infrastructure or large fish processing factories,” Iipumbu said.

“We should understand that just like the rest of our government and rest of the country is being affected by the economic slowdown, implementation of our developmental strategies programmes are not exempted from this crisis,” she added.

She specifically outlined the potential held by the hospitality sector, especially in the region’s coastal towns, noting that it has great abilities to revive the country’s economy, while providing employment at the same time.

Iipumbu commended Regions such as Oshana, Ohangwena, Omusati, Kavango West and East, for their efforts to meet the government halfway, adding that despite the economic crisis, they are being innovative in their investment choices.

“We do however appreciate large investments into the country, such as the recently opened Peugeot Assembly Plant at Walvis Bay, which is a partnership between our ministry and the car company,” Iipumbu expressed.

The deputy minster as also called on other towns in the Erongo Region to position themselves in the supply chain of possible business opportunities linked in developments that happen in Walvis Bay and Swakopmund, such as the oil storage or desalination plants.

(NAMPA)