Nedbank Namibia engages regional governors

The Nedbank leadership held roundtable talks with a number of regional governors on Wednesday. The governors’ delegation was invited to a luncheon which included a round-table discussion following a courtesy visit to Namibia by Nedbank Group Chairperson, Mpho Makwana.

Makwana, who joined the Nedbank Group board as an Independent Non-executive Director in November 2011, previously served as Lead Independent Director and Acting Chairperson under the same umbrella prior to his role of Nedbank Group Chairperson of the board which came into effect in December 2021.

While in Namibia, Makwana visited a number of strategic corporate business leaders and key members of the Namibian Government.

Speaking at the round table discussion which took place at the Nedbank Campus, Nedbank Namibia Managing Director, Martha Murorua presented the opening remarks and gave an overview on a number Nedbank-supported initiatives in the various regions, aimed at promoting financial stability and social cohesion in these areas.

“At Nedbank we exist to be money experts who do good. Over the years we have consistently invested millions of dollars in various sponsorships and corporate social initiatives, which aim to uplift Namibian regions and communities. Each region in Namibia has unique potential which if harnessed can contribute tremendously to the growth of our economy,” Murorua mentioned.

“It is our intent to hone in on the regions’ demographic aspects and economic opportunities, as well as challenges, that the esteemed offices of governors are immersed in, and faced with. We are happy to engage and hear from key government and private sector officials in an attempt to align organisational purpose to nation-building,” Murorua concluded.

Outlook

During the discussions, Economist, Theo Klein from Simonis Storm, gave a summary and some positive projections for the local economy. “There are some constructive developments we see in some of the local industries. In the agriculture sector for example, we see double digit growth in our livestock exports. In the fishing sector, we have seen fishing companies investing in processing plants by either upgrading or expanding,” Klein said. He did caution that inflationary pressure may see further increase in the repo rate before year-end.

Invited governors, Bonifatius Wakudumo form Kavango East region, Elia Irimari from Oshana region, Erginus Endjala from Omusati region, James Unomasa Uerikua from Otjozondjupa region, Marius Sheya from Kunene region, Neville Andre-Itope from Erongo region, Pijoo Nganate from Omaheke region, Walde Ndevashiya from Ohangwena region, and Salmon April from Hardap region; were accorded a platform to provide insights of key economic activities in their respective regions, and elucidate on possible partnerships between their respective offices and the bank.

Makwana in his closing remarks thanked the speakers for their contributions to the discussions and Nedbank’s role towards economic growth.

“At Nedbank we believe that banks play a crucial role in facilitating economic activity and enable sustainable growth. As a financial services provider, we are deeply connected to the environment and we should also look in-depth on how we can partner in areas that help create competitive edge for Namibia, SADC and other neighbouring countries,” Makwana said.