Photo: Contributed.
Namibia’s small and medium-sized businesses are being urged to secure a greater share of opportunities in the mining, logistics and energy sectors, as a new industry initiative seeks to connect local enterprises with investors and established industry players.
The inaugural 54 Africa Industry Table Dialogue, held recently in Kuisebmund, Walvis Bay, attracted approximately 70 participants, including entrepreneurs, students, financial institutions, government representatives and business executives. The engagement focused on improving access to finance, strengthening business partnerships and ensuring that more of the economic value generated from Namibia’s natural resources benefits local businesses and communities. Sakeus Feresiano, chief executive and founder of 54 Africa Investments CC, called on young Namibians to take responsibility for building the country’s economy. “We cannot continue waiting for people to come and build our country. We must build our country ourselves,”
Feresiano said. Erongo Region, Dr Nathalia Goagoses emphasised the importance of ensuring that Namibia derives greater economic value from its natural resources while creating meaningful benefits for local communities. Representatives from the mining, logistics, energy and financial sectors participated in discussions on business opportunities, challenges facing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and practical ways to increase local participation in major industries.
The initiative also seeks to promote regional value chains and infrastructure development, including fuel distribution, storage capacity and pipeline networks connecting Walvis Bay with neighbouring countries. For local businesses, these sectors offer potential opportunities in procurement, transportation, logistics, equipment supply and other supporting services. However, access to funding, industry networks and contracts remains essential for smaller enterprises seeking to compete in large-scale projects. 54 Africa Investments plans to host monthly industry dialogues and roundtable discussions to maintain engagement between businesses, investors and industry stakeholders.
The meetings will build towards the 54 Africa Minerals and Energy Indaba, planned for Walvis Bay in 2027, providing a platform to strengthen business relationships and encourage investment partnerships. The initiative comes as Namibia seeks to translate its natural resource wealth into broader economic benefits, including employment creation, enterprise development and increased local ownership.
By Rudi Bowe
