Vendors at the Swakopmund craft center expressed disappointment at Namibians, whom they say do not support locally manufactured arts and crafts.

For the past two years, vendors say they have been fighting their way through the impact of COVID-19 in the hope that 2023 will bring about growth and positive change.

The vendors expressed that the year 2022 has been difficult, as the market that depends on tourism is still recovering from the impacts of COVID-19.

The informal businesses were the hardest hit, as all of their savings got depleted due to their attempts to survive during the lengthy restrictions, which saw some businesses close.

Government interventions to save lives and the economy, however, provided some relief.

The Swakopmund municipality is currently upgrading the craft center to accommodate more vendors.