So we found ourselves making one of our longest trips to Windhoek a week before 2018 Christmas, how did it go? Awesome -learnt a lot from the trip and we believe our 2019 book edition on opportunities will be richer.
Traffic between Zimbabwe and Namibia
Traffic is lower than Zambia-Zimbabwe, Mozambique-Zimbabwe and SA-Zimbabwe but higher than Bots-Zim.
Traffic is mostly for Zimbos travelling to Namibia for holiday and business purposes.
Traffic from Namibia made up of Namibians going for holiday to Vic Falls, Namibians attending church seminars, Namibians going to college in Gweru and Bulawayo. Religion tourism tops the list with PHD and a pastor called Ndlovu with a leading branch network in Namibia.
Zimbos
in Namibia
Mostly professionals who emigrated in the last decade working in
government departments and the private sector. Of late the number of Zimbos
heading to Namibia has been on a low side due to recession in the country-no new work permit
renewals for foreigners.
Zimbopreneurs
Most street vendors in Namibia are from Zimbabwe. They work hard to bring products to Namibia for sale. Some from SA, Zambia, China, Turkey and Dubai. There is an interesting trend of Zimbos who source goods from Namibia and load them onto buses and resell them in Angola! We witnessed this in Lesotho…Zimbos buying goods from SA and selling them in Maseru, Mafeteng and other places in Lesotho. This is a special breed of cross borders…beautiful model that protects /hedges one from currency volatilities.
Our entrepreneurship skills on the good side are helping to empower locals to also venture into cross border business especially imports from China and Middle East. On a bad side…we are littering foreign streets. Credit goes to our comrades from Namibia, they have created room for Zimbos to thrive …one wonders what the situation would have been if thousands of Zimbos had not been given space to operate and thrive on foreign soil?
Namibia
Economy
The Namibian Dollar is pegged 1:1 to the SA Rand and during the
week we were there we witnessed a strike by pharmacy assistants who graduated in 2017 and
2018 have not secured jobs. Student leaders were threatening strike action
after a 5% across the board tuition fee increment. There is pressure for government
to reduce the wage bill for the 100 000 strong civil service.
Stats
Its costs on average US$100 to travel to Namibia and you can get buses from
Roadport, Intercape. Buses available on Tuesday evening and Thursday evening.
Other kombis are also available near Roadport. You can also choose AirNamibia
with return tickets ranging from $260-$300. Interestingly AirNamibia posted
losses …looks like the air industry is a difficult field for AirZim,Air Namibia
and SAA.
The cost of accommodation ranges from US$30 to US$150 per night. Monthly rentals N$4.000 to N$10.000.
Namibia can be termed a mini South Africa due to many SA companies with a presence there. It however ranks higher than SA as it is more peaceful, clean and friendly.
Business
Opportunities
Diasporans: Thinking of returning back after retirement? Namibia is a
stable country for investment. The weather is great, low crime rates, stable
economy and easy access to the region.
Arts and Crafts: Tourism is booming across the region and Namibia is not spared. Our arts and crafts already enjoy a good brand and dominates the landscape. Think in terms of buying and selling in bulk and also setting up schools and colleges for teaching.
Level 11 Cross Borders: Study imports into Namibia and then find how you can also participate in the importation. Do not forget cross borders who buy from China and Middle Est and bring the products for sale in Namibia. Study Zimbos and Namibians who buy goods from Nambia and export them to Angola..open new markets.
What can you buy for resale? Prices similar to RSA although distance can be a deterrent. Witnessed building materials such as paint being purchased. Business opportunities for vehicle transportation especially vehicle imports from UK and USA.
Our
business
Connecting SADC entrepreneurs; We have achieved our objective of
connecting SADC entrepreneurs from Lesotho, South Africa, Malawi, Botswana,
Zambia and Zimbabwe. Our country is highly regarded in business circles due to
hard work, integrity and innovation .Our objective of connecting regional
entrepreneurs well on course. We trained them, inspired them, heard their
stories and shared our experiences.
We are helping to set up various start-ups with entrepreneurs connected through e-platforms and sharing opportunity stories. We have done exceptionally well…been well received and we will start to profile stories of our successful graduates and members. The future is bright if Africans learn to work together and sharing information on opportunities.
