Retail store operator Pepkor, in partnership with the Namibian Competition Commission (NaCC) will be hosting a manufacturers' summit in Windhoek.
The summit brings together Namibian manufacturers, entrepreneurs, brands, and partners from the apparel, furniture, and lifestyle sectors.
The summit, which takes place from 19 to 20 August, follows a condition imposed by the NaCC when the retail group acquired several companies in Namibia, including PEP, Legit, Big Daddy, and OK Furniture.
Registration for the summit is free, with local manufacturers and businesses encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity to connect with potential markets and support structures.
NaCC’s Corporate Communication Practitioner Dina ||Gowases explained.
“What Namibians can expect from this summit is the creation of a platform for small and medium-sized enterprises to showcase and sell their products, thereby enhancing local content. Namibians can expect that any small business operating at the moment, once it engages in the summit and gains the necessary technical know-how, will receive guidance on where to go, what to do, and what is required to meet the standards needed for their products to eventually end up on the shelves of companies owned by PEPKOR Holdings.”
She said the initiative supports Namibia's broader industrialisation ambitions under NDP6 and Vision 2030 while creating opportunities for SMEs to expand beyond small-scale operations.
NBC Director General Menesia Muinjo noted that the summit will provide an important platform for local manufacturers and stakeholders to engage on the opportunities, challenges, and support needed to strengthen Namibia's manufacturing sector.
“The issue of local manufacturers and local content is important. How do we, as NBC, highlight and promote it? We can actually influence and inspire manufacturers to come forward and showcase their products. We can also call on Namibians to buy local and to consume what we have manufactured or produced locally.”
The Commission added that the event is aimed at strengthening local production, supporting businesses, and contributing to Namibia’s socio-economic development.