SwakopmundtoHostK2GNextGenEntrepreneursShowcase

Sharlien Tjambari

Swakopmund has been selected as the host town for this year's eagerly anticipatedKnow2GrowNextGenEntrepreneursShowcase2023,taking place from 2-4 November. The event aims to celebrate the resilience, innovation, and potential of the country's incredible MSMEs (Micro, Small,MediumEnterprises).

The exciting news was announced by Dino Ballotti, the Executive DirectorofMSMEDevelopment, Innovation, andAcceleration at the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), during the International MSME Day, which is annually commemorated on 27 June.Thethemeforthis year's showcasing is "Sustaining Communities, Unlocking Growth,andPromoting Inclusivity." According to Ballotti, this theme intends to celebrate the achievements and potential of Namibia's vibrant MSME sector

It also aims to foster a sustainable ecosystem that promotes the flourishing of communities throughthesupportand advancement of MSMEs. Ballotti emphasised the importance of inclusiveness, stating that the event seeks to provide equal opportunities for women and youth entrepreneurs. The goal is to empower them to contribute not only to the economic development of Namibia but also to unlock new engines of growth "The unemployment pandemic provides opportunities for us to be targeted in implementing solutions suchasthisshowcasing, which we believe creates scale opportunities for MSMEs, whichinturnwillcreate new job opportunities but also inspire young people to be entrepreneurial,"addedBallotti.

Coca-Cola Beverages Africa has allocated the full budget of N$550 000, allowing the organiserstomakethe2023 NextGen showcasing biggerandbetter

Addressing entrepreneurs on behalf of the Swakopmund Mayor, Councillor

Claus-Werner Goldbeck, Goldbeck expressed the town's commitment to supporting their growth by offering mentorship programs, access to finance,andanurturing environment He encouraged everyone to utilise the platform to learn from one another, exchange ideas, and forge meaningful partnerships.

The Swakopmund Municipality sponsored N$10 000 towards the event. Commenting on Coca-Cola's sponsorship,theGovernorof ErongoRegion,Neville André Itope, represented by Michael Jimmy,emphasisedthat it represents a partnership built on shared valuesandabeliefinthe potentialoflocaltalent. The showcase will take place at The MTC DomeinSwakopmund.

The Know2Grow NextGeneration Entre- preneurs Showcase was launched last year in Tsumeb under the theme "Scaling through Innovation,ValueAddition,andCooperatives."

Ballotti highlighted the importance of embracing innovative approaches to business growth and leveraging value-addition stra- tegies to enhance products and services. The focus on cooperatives underscores the significance of collaboration and mutual support among businesses, creating a synergistic environment for collectivesuccess.