The Minister of Trade and Industrialization, Lucia Iipumbu, says the ministry is on course to reserve sectors such as the beauty industry strictly for the locals through the Namibia Investment Promotion and Facilitation Bill. 

Iipumbu stated this at the 20th anniversary of Beleza Beauty Centre in the capital.

The Beleza Beauty Centre was founded by Linda Chipeio and employs ten people.

Iipumbu says SMEs such as Beleza are a beacon of hope for empowerment and employment opportunities and foster a culture of entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic diversification.

"MIT has particularly ensured over the years that the cosmetics sector remains one of our niches in terms of sector development, and I am proud to inform you that we have made significant strides. We are currently exporting these products within the continent and beyond. Let me therefore implore you to stay on course of hard work and take advantage of all available opportunities in this regard."