Micro, small, and medium enterprises play a key role in job creation and income generation; hence, there is a need to grow MSMEs to contribute towards improving the living conditions of many people.
 
These were the sentiments expressed at the opening of the first Expo on MSME's growth underway in Tsumeb.

The event, organized by the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board, is known as the Know2Grow NextGen Entrepreneur Showcase.

Tsumeb Constituency Councilor, Gotlieb Ndjendjela, urged the government to support the more than 30 thousand SMEs in the country by creating initiatives for them to thrive.

"The NIPDB understands that micro, small, and medium enterprises are key contributors to employment creation, income generation, and poverty eradication for the people in Namibia, in both the rural and urban areas. MSMEs are the backbone of the Namibian economy. Therefore, we need to ensure that their businesses are scaled to continue contributing to the economy of our great country."
 
Chief Economist Nafimane Shipanga reiterated the Ministry of Trade and Industrialization's targeted interventions to assist SMEs in the face of funding challenges.

"These collaborations launched multi-stakeholder financial and capacity development platforms that aim to bridge entrepreneurship, social innovation, and blended capital to create sustainable social and economic returns. The different support services offered by MIT development partners form part of our Growth at Home strategy that aims to de-risk the investment environment and offer entrepreneurs an opportunity to unlock private capital for sustainable investment."

Also speaking at the occasion was Tsumeb Mayor, Matheus Hangula. "I trust this showcase will avail countless opportunities for key private and government stakeholders to engage with young entrepreneurs on matters relevant to boosting their chances at success." 
 
A total of 120 micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises are showcasing their products at the expo being held at the Tsumeb Mall.