Over 20 micro, small, and medium enterprises received equipment under the government's Equipment Aid Scheme in Erongo Region, bringing the total number of beneficiaries of the programme to 3000 countrywide.

The Equipment Aid Scheme is one of the interventions introduced by the Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade in 2009 to aid micro, small, and medium enterprises with equipment to enhance their growth.

In 2016, the scheme came to a halt, but the ministry revived it in 2023.

"We know that the cost of equipment, especially machines, is escalating on a monthly basis, if not on an annual basis. And many of us cannot afford to acquire and buy that equipment by ourselves, and that is why the ministry felt that it was necessary for us to revive the program."

After doubling the budget for the scheme, the ministry increased the maximum allocation per beneficiary from N$30,000 to N$80,000.

The minister expressed concern, saying the 671 applications received in 2023 countrywide represent low interest from enterprises.

In Erongo Region, 39 applications were received and 23 were approved with allocated equipment worth N$650,000.

The enterprises that will receive equipment within two weeks operate in sectors including metal fabrication, charcoal production, construction, welding, gem stone, agroprocessing, and refrigeration, among others.