Residents of Katjinakatji Village in the Mankumpi Constituency have welcomed a business education engagement conducted by the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy.
Andreas Mukoso, a resident of Katjinakatji, said the training had equipped him with valuable knowledge about business registration, which he intends to share with others.
“I have gained a lot of knowledge that will guide me, and I will also share it with others. I now understand that unregistered businesses face limitations and have learned the importance of registration,” Mukoso explained.
Maria Haingura said the initiative had broadened her understanding of how entrepreneurship can improve livelihoods.
“They have really opened our minds and broadened our understanding of how we can change our lives through business. They should continue educating us,” she urged.
Kanyeva Joseph also welcomed the initiative, expressing appreciation for the new information provided.
“We really appreciate their efforts. We now know some of the things we did not know before,” Joseph said.
Ester Samba thanked the Ministry of Trade and Industry for providing guidance on accessing financial support.
“I am very grateful to the Ministry of Trade and Industry for providing information on how to apply for a loan,” she said.
Meanwhile, Elise Uusiku, Head of the Kavango Regions and Zambezi, emphasised that entrepreneurship does not necessarily require a large investment to get started.
“Often, when we talk about business, people think it has to be something big. But as long as you are selling something in exchange for money, then you are doing business,” Uusiku explained.
Mankumpi Councillor Lukas Muha said the constituency have talented men and women with viable business ideas, but limited income has hindered their growth.
"Business is not only about selling goods like fat cakes or beer, but business is anything. The uncle here has a lot of goats now. From the goats, we want you to see that it's not only wealth when you see the beauty that comes with the horns and different colours of the livestock, but you need to see how you can make a living out of these goats."
The councillor further called on the residents to take advantage of government support programmes to grow their businesses.