Iipumbu lashes out at claims of lack of consultation on investment bill

The minister of industrialisation and trade, Lucia Iipumbu, has lashed out at those accusing her ministry of a lack of consultation on the Namibia investment promotion and facilitation bill.

Iipumbu did so at the opening of the Oshana investment conference at the University of Namibia’s José Eduardo dos Santos campus at Ongwediva yesterday.

The Namibian last week reported that the Economic Policy Research Association of Namibia (Epra) says there is little to nothing in the proposed bill that makes investment more attractive.

According to Epra, the bill simply proposes a host of additional obstacles for both local and foreign investors.

These sentiments are contained in a letter addressed to Iipumbu on 15 August, and was signed by Epra adviser Eben de Klerk.

“Most concerning is the fact that the government intends to take full control over local and foreign investments, with the powers to decide who may invest, who investors may partner with, which industries may be invested in, where investment may be made, and prescribe with unlimited scope the requirements to which investors must comply,” Epra wrote.

The minister yesterday said although there were consultations throughout the year, she heard dissenting views that no proper consultation on the bill took place.

“I want to dispel that and condemn it in the strongest capacity [sic] that I can, because we went from region one to region 14.

“We have spoken to everyone. We have advertised in electronic, print and social media for all of you who were supposed to be role-players and who were supposed to attend,” Iipumbu said.

She said her ministry offered the option to extend consultations by a week for whoever felt they needed to make a contribution to the bill to put their contribution in writing and channel it to the ministry.

“But some of you opted to go to the media and complain. . . . if you are looking for responses, come to our offices, and if you feel you still have a contribution to make, we do not lock our doors for you,” she said.

She said many contributions from the public have been considered and that these contributions are appreciated.

The minister said while her officials are working on the bill, they are also working on the policy.

Iipumbu said some of the contributions will be contained in the policy, and her officials would still consult with the public on the regulations of the bill.

“We are looking forward to your inputs,” she said.

She said there would be consultation on the regulations stating that some sectors should be reserved for locals.

“We have done so, but we will be coming back to consult with you. Unfortunately, due to time, this time around we will not go to all 14 regions.

“We will maybe cluster them together, and wherever you find yourself, please make sure you participate where the consultation is taking place. That is the information I can share with you on how far we are with the bill,” she said.

Iipumbu said the bill is now in the hands of the technical committee which consists of various stakeholders who will refine it together with legal drafters.

She said she intends to table the bill before the end of this year.