The Minister of International Relations and Trade (MIRT) has reiterated that businesses remain central to the country's economic emancipation and job creation; hence, her ministry is ready to support local businesses to reach their full potential. 

Selma Ashipala‑Musavyi made this remark during an engagement with local entrepreneurs at Oshakati.  

Minister Ashipala‑Musavyi said the talks are part of a broader effort to align the Ministry of International Relations and Trade policies with the needs of the private sector. 

Through the engagements, she says it is easier to identify challenges and share ideas, which can enable collaborative efforts between line ministries and agencies in crafting policies that directly support the growth of Namibian businesses and their access to external markets. 

Ashipala‑Musavyi emphasised that the feedback collected will feed into the ministry's strategic planning and help shape programmes that enable local firms to capitalise on regional and international trade opportunities.

"We then decided to go all out to all 14 regions because we believe that every region is competitive economically, e.g., now we are in Oshana; we know that it's the commercial hub in the region, but what else is there in this region that we can optimise in terms of services and products? What are the products in this region? That makes the Oshana Region stand out, and the idea is that as we look for investment to come to Namibia, we know exactly where to direct each investment."

Oshana Governor Hofni Iipinge expressed appreciation and noted that the ministry initiated the consultative platform to gather information addressing the needs of businesspeople in their specific areas of operation. 

Iipinge said the undertakings also streamline government support for the private sector across Namibia's 14 regions, which will enable them to get firsthand information on what it has to offer and grow their businesses. 

"By engaging businesses at the grassroots level, the ministry is ensuring that the realities, challenges and aspirations of our entrepreneurs are heard and integrated into national trade and industrial policies. Oshana continues to position itself as a vibrant commercial hub with a growing base of SMEs, emerging industries and youth-led innovations."

The minister has held the engagements in 13 regions, with only the |Khomas Region yet to benefit.