With the Katutura Expo currently underway, Standard Bank has been at the forefront of driving growth and development in the community.
As such, the Bank has taken great strides in investing in the annual Katutura Expo, which is being held under the theme: “Driving towards breaking barriers of economic inequality”.
The Bank donated an impressive N$50 000 to further the goals set forth for the expo during a fundraising dinner held last month, at the Safari Court and Hotel.
Standard Bank’s Katutura Branch Manager, Lazarus Shikongo, said he was confident that the expo would make real difference in the lives of the community members, especially because Katutura has the potential to become a hive of business activity and trade for many local entrepreneurs, especially in the SME sector.
“SMEs play a vital role in Namibia’s economy, with one in five people being employed in the SME sector. Furthermore, not only do SME’s contribute over 12% to the gross domestic product, but they also raise the living standards of many Namibians, which in turn helps alleviate poverty and empower our men and women entrepreneurs to run sustainable businesses… Standard Bank believes that through this expo, SME’s can play a pivotal role in become agents of economic growth, while at the same time eradicating poverty and unemployment,” Shikongo explained.
He added that he is optimistic that the Bank’s sponsorship will go a long way in promoting trade and investment, as well as making a meaningful impact on the local entrepreneurs in Katutura at the expo, all the while moving them forward with tailor made banking services.
The Mayor of the City of Windhoek, Muese Kazapua, who also attended the gala, said he was pleased with the expo, most especially because the theme coincided with the city’s efforts to breaking economic inequality.
“The attendance and pledges of so many companies is testimony of their commitment and importance attached to realising the framework of Harambee to fight poverty,” he said.
He also commended the expo for being a noble initiative which will have a positive impact by uplifting the living standards of Katutura and enhancing their business endeavours.
“This is a platform for the less privileged people in Katutura to exhibit and showcase their products, hopefully allowing for them to expand their businesses,” Kazapua stressed.
On conclusion, the mastermind behind the expo, Counsellor Ambrosius Kandjii, thanked all the sponsors and Standard Bank from their commitment to the expo as it will promote economic develop in Katutura and urged fellow corporates to follow suit and play their part.
The expo which started on the 1st of August will he held up until the 6th of this month at the Katutura Multipurpose Youth Stadium.