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Economic development

Empowering Local SMMEs in Walvis Bay: Collaborative Efforts and Maritime Week Celebration

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

In a remarkable display of community and business collaboration, the Municipality of Walvis Bay, in partnership with Shell Namibia, recently honored local Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) with prizes from Maritime Week. The initiative aimed to empower these entrepreneurs by equipping them with tools to enhance their visibility and competitiveness in the marketplace. The competition focused on core branding and marketing principles, encouraging participants to refine their understanding of market niches and position themselves for long-term relevance. Deputy Mayor, Councillor Saara Mutondoka, emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between the community and the business sector, highlighting the people and enterprises of Walvis Bay as the backbone of the harbor town.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Municipality of Walvis Bay, in collaboration with Shell Namibia, organized a competition to empower local SMMEs and enhance their visibility in the marketplace.
  • The competition focused on core branding and marketing principles, with a judging criteria that included overall presentation, packaging, quality and taste of products, and customer engagement.
  • Winners of the competition were Mikiejay-Investments, A&G Cookery, and Forever Living Products, who received prizes ranging from gazebos and tables to chairs.
  • The event emphasized the importance of community and business collaboration, with Deputy Mayor Councillor Saara Mutondoka highlighting the people and enterprises of Walvis Bay as the backbone of the harbor town.
  • The initiative aims to continue empowering local SMMEs and promoting a vibrant business environment in Walvis Bay.
  • The Municipality and Shell Namibia plan to continue their partnership, with preparations already underway for the 2026 Maritime Week.

Statistics:

  • 3 SMMEs won prizes from Maritime Week, including Mikiejay-Investments, A&G Cookery, and Forever Living Products.
  • 2 chairs were among the prizes received by the third-placed winner, Forever Living Products.
  • 8-13 September 2026 is the scheduled date for the 2026 Maritime Week, a vibrant program filled with festivities, competitions, and activities for all ages.
  • Local businesses and residents are encouraged to participate in the 2026 Maritime Week, with a chance to be the next prize winners.

Sources:

  • "Namibia Economist, Copyright 2025. All rights reserved." [1]
  • "AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com)" [2]

References:

[1] Namibia Economist, 2025.

[2] AllAfrica Global Media, 2025.

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