Exodus hits commerce chamber in north Membership drops to 400

The Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s northern branch is facing a massive membership decline as businesses resign to join the rival Namibia Local Business Association.

NCCI membership has dropped from about 1 500 to 400 businesses over the years.

The chamber is said to be faced with numerous challenges, such as some members resigning to join the newly formed Namibia Local Business Association (Naloba).

NCCI Ongwediva branch chairperson Pandu Uahengo says this calls for reflection, renewed commitment, and collective action.

“As the new leadership, we have observed several challenges that must be addressed if the branch is to regain its strength and relevance,” he says.

Uahengo says the chamber is battling the limited recognition and inclusion of the NCCI’s northern branch leadership by public enterprises, particularly in critical engagements such as on information-sharing platforms, policy reviews, committee and board membership, and consultative processes.

“I view this as a challenge, as our intention is to be fully involved participants and trusted partners to the government and all public enterprises in advancing economic development.

Another major challenge is fragmentation within NCCI branches, which continues to weaken unity and overall organisational performance,” he says.

Uahengo says the chamber’s vision is united, inclusive, and influential, and effectively represents the interests of the business community and contributes meaningfully to national development.

“Having experienced that abnormality I ask: What kind of NCCI do we want to see? And how will we do it? I strongly believe unity within the business community is essential.

“We therefore advocate for one strong umbrella body that represents all branches collectively and speaks with one voice on behalf of smaller branches.We call on all business to join the chamber and register,” he says.

Naloba has over the years claimed that more than 2 000 NCCI members have resigned since January 2022 to join “the only organisation that supports business people in the country”.

Naloba spokesperson Peter Amadhila says the organisation represents the interests of local entrepreneurs, irrespective of their skin colour.

“The NCCI has not adequately supported local businesses, necessitating a new, more proactive voice, which is Naloba.

Business people have the right to join any organisation of their choice.

Let us not blame one another for our own failures,” he says.

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