Having launched a pilot VEM last year in Windhoek with six SMEs, Rotary has expanded the program to the Otjiwarongo, Walvis Bay and Swakopmund.

VEM's objective is to assist small businesses to increase their sales and staff complement.

Its ultimate objective is to expand Namibia's economic base and to enhance the competitiveness of the private sector by encouraging new enterprises to enter the business arena.

Currently, 11 SMEs are benefiting from VEM in Windhoek, with six SMEs in Otjiwarongo, three SMEs in Swakopmund and five in Walvis Bay.

Namibia's Rotary clubs are part of an international service organisation, founded in the USA city of Chicago in 1905.

SMEs Compete chose to collaborate with Rotary to implement the VEM program in Namibia because the organisation's broad public/private sector membership of business leaders and professionals.

Kevin Davidow, past president of Windhoek Rotary and a leading local industrialist -on a recent visit to his mentee's manufacturing facility in Katutura- took the opportunity to urge other business leaders to become part of similar mentorship programs to encourage the country's economic expansion and competitiveness.

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