Maria David
EVERY economy relies on informal traders, making it crucial for the Ministry of Industrialization and Trade (MIT) to address their needs. Consequently, the business community in the O-4 regions is urging the Ministry to formulate regulations that safeguard the region’s informal traders.
This plea was made during a consultative meeting with Minister Lucia Iipumbu on Monday, focusing on key policies and strategies including the Special Economic Zone Bill (SEZ), the National Informal Economy, Start-ups and Entrepreneurship Development Policy (NIESED), Namibia Investment Promotion and Facilitation Regulations, and the National Cooling Strategy.
Local vendor Emilia Herman expressed concern that the government has been neglecting the plight of local informal traders, leading to the failure of many of their enterprises. She questioned why maize meal is imported from Angola instead of being sourced locally, emphasizing the potential economic benefits of supporting local products like Omhangu.
Herman highlighted the negative impact of Angolan traders flooding the market with low-priced goods, resulting in job losses and business closures among local traders. She urged the government to address the dominance of Angolan merchants, which is detrimental to their businesses.
Hangula Simon echoed Herman’s sentiments, lamenting the challenges faced by informal traders, particularly in tender processes. He raised concerns about the preference given to unregistered businesses in tender awards, despite complying with all regulatory requirements.
Minister Iipumbu acknowledged the need for better coordination among ministries to improve assistance to the people. Regarding informal traders, she explained the complexities of trade relations with Angola, noting the absence of a trade agreement between the two countries. Despite the challenges, she emphasized the importance of supporting Angola, highlighting the historical solidarity between the two nations during Namibia’s liberation struggle.
In conclusion, the call for protection and support for informal traders underscores the importance of inclusive policies and coordinated efforts to address their needs and promote economic growth in the region.
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