Photo: Instagram
Walvis Bay Urban Constituency Councillor Albertina Nkoshi has called on informal traders operating at the Ekutu Informal Market to work together to strengthen their businesses and promote sustainable local economic development.
Speaking during a stakeholder meeting with traders at Ekutu Phase 1, Nkoshi emphasised the important role informal businesses play in supporting families, creating employment and contributing to the local economy. “I would like to welcome and thank all the Ekutu Informal Market traders for attending today’s meeting. Your businesses are important because they provide income for your families, create jobs and contribute to the growth of Walvis Bay,” she said.
The meeting brought together traders and stakeholders to discuss key issues affecting the informal sector, including trading opportunities, local economic development, support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and the challenges facing informal businesses. Nkoshi encouraged traders to build stronger partnerships by supporting one another rather than competing unnecessarily. “We encourage you to support one another, share ideas and work together instead of competing against each other. When traders unite, your voices become stronger and it becomes easier to solve common challenges,” she said.
She also urged traders to openly share the challenges they experience, including access to markets, infrastructure, safety and business support, so that practical solutions can be developed through collaboration with the constituency office and other stakeholders. According to Nkoshi, strengthening cooperation between government and the informal sector is essential for creating opportunities that benefit both traders and the broader community. She further called for a spirit of partnership and mutual respect, saying collective action would help strengthen local economic development, grow small businesses and improve livelihoods.
The stakeholder engagement formed part of the Walvis Bay Urban Constituency Office’s ongoing efforts to support the informal economy under the theme “Working Together for Sustainable Local Economic Development.”
By Rudi Bowe
