A two-day Manufacturing Summit hosted by Pepkor Holdings in collaboration with the Namibian Competition Commission (NaCC) is underway in Windhoek.
Pepkor is a South African investment and holding company focused on discount and value consumer retail and fintech markets.
Held under the theme "Strengthening capability: connecting Namibia's manufacturing ecosystem, enabling growth," the event brings together local manufacturers, entrepreneurs, retailers, and industry stakeholders to explore opportunities for supplier development and market access.
CEO of Pepkor Speciality Brands, Tyrone Vieira, emphasised that the summit forms part of its broader localisation commitment following its acquisition of several retail businesses, including Legit, Style, and Swagger.
Vieira stated that the summit is intended to strengthen local manufacturing capacity and create meaningful opportunities for Namibian businesses to participate in Pepkor's supply chain.
“We are committed to purchasing a defined value from the Namibian-owned local manufacturers and suppliers. We also have a commitment to a local supplier development programme aimed at upskilling the local suppliers and specifically aimed at SMEs owned by Namibians in the clothing, footwear, and homeware segments.”
CEO of NaCC, Vitalis Ndalikokule said the initiative aims to strengthen Namibia's manufacturing sector and create sustainable pathways for local businesses to enter major retail supply chains.
“This summit is designed to be practical. It aims to improve productivity, operational performance, and quality standards, making Namibian manufacturers competitive enough to meet the demand of a large retail network. The engagement(s) over the coming days between manufacturers, retailers, government institutions, and industry players are crucial for creating a vibrant and self-sustaining local manufacturing ecosystem.”
The summit will give local manufacturers access to Pepkor buyers and industry experts. Local businesses are subsequently invited to submit expressions of interest, with the deadline set for 30 September 2026.
For local entrepreneurs, the initiative is seen as an opportunity to expand their markets and potentially access regional and international retail networks.
Founder of the Northern Interiors and Upholstery Wendy Egunda expressed her appreciation.
“We are really grateful for a summit like this, organised for us this morning, because it brings local entrepreneurs together. It also gives us exposure and opportunities to market our products internationally, which is a great thing. We are truly grateful for it.”
The summit concludes tomorrow, with organisers hoping to identify and develop commercially viable Namibian suppliers in sectors including clothing, textiles, footwear, leather, and furniture.