Activity-rich NCCI indaba today

WINDHOEKDENVER ISAACS The much-anticipated annual business summit of the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI) kicks off at the Nampower Convention Hall in Windhoek today. The summit has become the premier platform for dialogue and engagement between the private sector and policymakers, while the next day will see the business lobby group host its annual general meeting (AGM) and awards gala dinner. “The summit will endeavour to mobilise private sector contribution towards a business environment that can make the country competitive and grow,” NCCI public relations manager, Johanna Shiweda-Indongo, said in a statement issued this week. An initial roster for the summit confirms Minister of Finance Calle Schlettwein, Minister of Mines and Energy Isak Katali, Statistician-General at the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) John Steytler and Ohlthaver & List Group Executive Chairman Sven Thieme, as among the speakers. The organisation's theme this year borrows from government's “Growth at Home” strategy, and discussions are expected to centre on relevant topics, including the country's energy supply, and the private sector's contribution to national skills development. Energy expert and founding partner of London-based energy corporation Quantum Power, Dr Louis van Pletsen, is expected to make the keynote address at the gala dinner at the Safari Hotel and Conference Centre tomorrow night.