Small and Medium Enterprises in Namibia
26 April 2022 Issue 11/2022
When you hear the term “SME”, I think it is fair to say that the first thing that comes to mind is a one-man show, with no hard and fast rules, policies and procedures, when in fact a SME is a merely company that is of smaller size (employing less than 10 people), trying to find its place in our economy. Every big corporation in our country was once a SME. Not one of them started with 8 shops throughout Namibia, employing 400 people right at the beginning. In my experience, I found that many SME’s are made up of someone who found something they are good at, are passionate about and want to share this with the world.
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Tel: 081 237 3003 Email: thewindhoekconnection@gmail.com
The Windhoek Connection, 3 May 2022
Local joiner, Darry Phillips is a person I keep in high regard. He works hard and long hours, and in the early 2000’s he found his love for woodworking. He started creating rocking horses for toddlers and gifted these to his friends, with small children. On one specific Sunday afternoon Darryl created so many rocking horses, that when one of his neighbors saw it, he made a joke, asking if Darryl was hosting the Durban July. And shortly after that, WOODIES was born.
woodies@mweb.com.na
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| Tel: 061 402 187
The Windhoek Connection, 3 May 2022
My Little Crafts
+264 81 820 7333 Customized resin products, handmade, in Namibia Woodies started operating in 2004 from their first premises in Joule Street, Windhoek, with only 3 employees. 18 years later, they now employ almost 20 staff, providing excellent wood furniture and other items, from Christmas trees, to traditional wedding chests. Over the past 18 years, Woodies has grown from a small enterprise to a household name. And their key to his success is consistency in quality. But make no mistake, even Woodies was not immune to the effects the Covid lockdown(s) had on our economy. Thankfully, they were in a position to keep
FIN
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HE D US
The Windhoek Connection, 3 May 2022
Welcome to Camp Oubokberg We welcome you to Camp Oubokberg, hidden in the midst of the Erongo mountains. The adventure and fascination of the surrounding beauty will take your breath away. We offer a variety of activities, ranging from hunting, hiking or day trips on and around the area, ending the day amidst a campfire. Let us provide you with the adventure of a lifetime! Contact us at Handy +264 81 550 2504 / +264 81 521 8184 or at camp.heckel@yahoo.com
all their staff. With the namibian economy returning to a somewhat normal state, work is warmly welcomed once again and juggling several projects at the same time, providing a quality product as is the norm. This is a prime example of what a SME can become. With hard work, consistency and quality, each of us trying to find our place amongst our fellow entrepreneurs can grow into a business, creating employment and contributing to the GDP at the same time. The role of the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) sector is considered a key contributor to a country’s overall economic development. The SME sector is the backbone of an economy, as it provides employment and income opportunities for a large number of people. In many countries, small and medium-sized enterprises are also at the forefront of technological innovation, diversification of production processes and intensification of export activities. Almost 40,000 SMEs are currently registered in Namibia. These SMEs contribute to the national economy of Namibia in various ways, such as employment creation, adding value to the gross domestic product of the country, and assisting in the realisation of the government’s 2030 vision agenda. Page 4
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SMEs are not limited to any particular type of industry or service, and can include small manufacturing facilities, small processing units, trading companies, export-import companies, distribution, retailing, rental, service company, etc. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) make up over 99% of the total number of businesses across the countries where we work. They are responsible for large contributions to value added tax and employment. The Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry created an online portal intended to help entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to learn and implement sustainable business management practices and increase their productivity, efficiency, and capacity, as well as improve their access to finance and new markets. The Toolkit consists of a large body of globally relevant free content for SMEs provided by content partners, and includes business forms, tools, how-to-articles, business software and advice about starting and growing a business.
Mother’s Mother’s Day Day 8 May 2022
If you have any Mother’s Day deals, specials, offers or packages, advertise in The Windhoek Connection and reach an additional 7,000 to 10,000 viewers!
The areas covered include The Windhoek accounting, finance, human resources, international business, legal, insurance, marketing, sales, operations and technology. (You can The WINDHOEK Connection learn more by visiting the NCCI thewindhoekconnection@gmail.com website at ncci.org.na/page/digital081 237 3003 library.) Page 5 The Windhoek Connection, 3 May 2022
n o i t c e n n o C
This is another example, why we should always support local, as far as possible. Yes, we need to check our bank balances, before any purchases, but by supporting namibian expertise and namibian products, we have a greater chance of having our economy recovering much faster, creating employment opportunities and having our own residents reach their goals. Let’s take hands and help each other - support local! Sources: namibiahub.com, IPPR, NCCI
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The Windhoek Connection, 3 May 2022
The Haven Zoological Park is hosting another Market this coming Saturday, 7 May 2022, while simultaneously having a potjie kos competition. Reserve your market stall for N$250.00 or register your team for the potjie kos competition for N$350.00. The Haven Zoological Park is also in need of donations of various kind, i.e: - Financial contribution towards remuneration of general workers for the day - Refreshments for workers and volunteers - Financial contribution to marketing efforts - A braai - Music equipment - Food and beverages - Ice cubes - Prizes for the competition - Volunteers to assist during the day. If you are able to assist with any of the above, please reach out to Park Management: • Phillip: 081 660 1807 • Armand: 081 592 7741 • Bennie: 085 734 812
When researchers presented canines with odors of other dogs, food, and their human masters, it was the scent of humans that excited dogs the most.
Did you know…?
The scientists found that dog owners' aroma actually sparked activation in the 'reward center' of their brains, called the caudate nucleus. Of all the wafting smells to take in, dogs actually prioritized the hint of humans over anything or anyone else. Page 8
The Windhoek Connection, 3 May 2022
Puzzle corner ? Riddle me ? this ? ? ? ? ? ? ? What occurs twice in a week, once in a year but never in a day?
Spot the difference
Can you find the 7 differences between these two pictures?
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The Windhoek Connection, 3 May 2022
Opinions expressed in The WINDHOEK Connection and our Social Pages are not necessarily those of the contributors, editors and / or employees. While care has been taken to ensure that information contained in this publication is true and correct at the time of publication, changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact on the accuracy of this information. Neither the contributors and / or editors and / or employees accept responsibility for any errors or omissions. The WINDHOEK Connection PO Box 81296, Olympia, Windhoek, Namibia Email: thewindhoekconnection@gmail.com Telephone / WhatsApp: 081 237 3003