American businesses explore opportunities Govt markets Namibia as good investment destination An American business delegation is visiting Namibia to explore trade and investment opportunities. NAMPAA business delegation from San Antonio, Texas, is in Namibia on a five-day visit to explore trade and investment opportunities.
They are exploring possible ventures in the energy, mining, water management, agriculture, property, healthcare, housing and education sectors.
The cities of Windhoek and San Antonio signed a memorandum of partnership and cooperation in April 2015.
Speaking at a forum held as part of the delegation’s visit yesterday, the deputy minister of industrialisation, trade and small and medium enterprise (SME) development, Piet van der Walt, said Namibia has a stable economic and political environment.
“Namibia is one of the best countries to build partnerships with,” Van der Walt said.
The deputy minister said it is important to develop and encourage a two-way complementary flow between the two cities, adding that Namibia is well positioned and a gateway to African markets.
“Namibia also has the potential to become a centre of investment excellence and logistics hub, especially considering the upgrading and expansion of the port of Walvis Bay,” he said.
Van der Walt further said Namibia offers a combination of well-developed infrastructure to support the business sector and a dynamic investment environment.
Speaking at the same event, Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI) chief executive officer Tarah Shaanika raised the concern that the country exports most of its raw materials.
“Namibia has many natural resources that are not yet explored. We need serious investors to add value and to create jobs,” said Shaanika.
He said the two countries could forge business ventures in the areas of agriculture such as the export of grapes, dates and beverages; fishing; logistics; information, communication and technology; energy generation; and water management.
He also spoke of Namibia’s good infrastructure with port, rail, and road connections to South Africa, Angola, Zambia, Botswana, and other countries which offers access to larger markets.
Africa is the right place to do business with as the continent’s economy is growing fast, Shaanika said, adding it presents opportunities for the USA.
“Markets here are growing as Africans consume more and the demand for quality products is rising,” he said.
The forum was organised by the Ministry of Industrialisation, Trade, and SME Development and NCCI in collaboration with the City of Windhoek and City of San Antonio.
Windhoek mayor Muesee Kazapua and the mayor of San Antonio, Ivy Taylor, signed the agreement in April 2015 to promote economic cooperation and trade; exchange and cooperation in renewable energy; training and development; as well as tourism.
The delegation leaves on Friday.