Small business in Gobabis want equal playing field

GOBABIS – Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the Omaheke Region are crying foul over what they term an ‘unequal playing field’ against bigger and more established enterprises in the region.

During a meeting of businesspeople here on Friday, hosted by the regional chapter of the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI), SMEs bemoaned the limited opportunities for growth provided to them.Owners of various SMEs present during the meeting said the weak relationship between various institutions providing assistance to them such as the Ministry of Trade and Industry, the Regional Council and commercial banks makes it hard for them to conduct their businesses.They were of the opinion that despite Government’s insistence that it views the SME sector as a vital contributor to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), it does not do enough to encourage the flourishing of the sector.Paul Dunaiski, the regional chairperson of the NCCI Branch in Omaheke, echoed similar sentiments as the business owners during the meeting, adding that larger and more established businesses still enjoy the lion’s share of the market.He then called on the Omaheke business fraternity to organise themselves and speak with a united voice through the various structures provided for them, such as the NCCI.’There is victory in unity, and we can go far if we speak with one voice.’ The general lack of interest amongst businesspeople to organise themselves which is prevalent in the Omaheke Region, is one of the pitfalls that need urgent address,’ Dunaiski said. Various business analysts have over the years urged Omaheke business people to diversify their business activities, and to venture into various forms of business enterprises provided by the market.Currently, many SMEs are more concentrated in the retail industry, leaving abundant opportunities in the agriculturaL and other industries untapped. – Nampa