International expo to boost township economy

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In an effort to promote the township and micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) economy, the African Economic Leadership Council will hold its second edition of the Discover Namibia MSME and Township Economy Expo and Business Conference from 29 June to 1 July at Swakopmund’s Mondesa settlement.

The event, organised by the Africa Economic Leadership Council (AELC) and the Hafeni Afrika Tourism Group, is a continuation of the council’s mission to boost township and rural economies.

Themed ‘Unpacking Trade and Investment Opportunities for All Africans’, the conference promises a three-day schedule featuring keynote speakers, panel discussions, trade and investment presentations, and workshops.

Co-founder and president of the AELC Heinrich Hafeni yesterday said the AELC is focused on boosting township and village economies towards access to continental markets and integrated trade networks, which would accelerate the implementation of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area agreement.

“We have taken this to Mondesa, because we have gotten a lot of feedback from our members and they want to be part of big economic events at grassroots level.

“We are going to make sure we tell a good story, but we need everybody’s support,” he said.

Hafeni said the event provides a space in which entrepreneurs can connect, learn, and potentially find new business partners.

“It’s all about pushing our businesses to the next level,” he said.

About 120 exhibitors and 200 delegates are expected to attend the Africa Business conference, which will be complemented by a Africa Business gala dinner.

The event encourages participation from all walks of economic life, including informal economic players, micro entrepreneurs, medium enterprises, and government agencies.

The two-day conference will explore a range of key sectors, from oil and gas to agriculture, food security, and green hydrogen.

“We are also going to discuss the financing of African entrepreneurs and the importance of digitalisation in today’s context,” Hafeni said.

“And we will delve into the blue economy, covering areas such as fishing, natural resources, and the movement of African goods and products.”

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