PM calls on business owners to utilise govt relief package

NAMPA WINDHOEKPrime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila has called on business owners to utilise the government’s N$5.9 billion stimulus and relief package aimed at supporting businesses amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. Government introduced an economic stimulus and relief package in April 2020 amounting to N$8.1 billion, comprising of N$ 5.9 billion in direct support to businesses, households and cash flow acceleration payments for services rendered to government, and N$2.3 billion off-balance sheet government liabilities to further support loan uptake on preferential terms by business and individuals. Through loan schemes, N$700 million was given to small businesses and agricultural businesses/farmers with guaranteed loans from the Development Bank of Namibia (DBN). Speaking at the 38th public Covid-19 briefing last week, Kuugongelwa-Amadhila said although government has put aside funds to assist business owners, the money has not been utilised as expected. She explained that the government efforts are aimed at encouraging business continuation and further expansion in order to support economic activities, as well as local production capacity and reducing importation reliance. “We have noted with concern that the financial package that has been put aside by government is not being optimally utilised, meaning there is minimal local production expansion. We do not know for how long Covid-19 is going to be here, the supply chain will be distracted due to the pandemic restrictions and we will end up not being able to get some of the basic necessities,” she said. Innovative ideasKuugongelwa-Amadhila further stressed that Namibia needs to improve its import reliance and build resilience through the expansion of business activities and establishment of new innovative businesses, especially by the youth. “I encourage young people to access the special funds that have been established by DBN for them to come up with innovative ideas, especially optimising the digital space given our current times.”

PM calls on business owners to utilise govt relief package

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-19

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PM calls on business owners to utilise govt relief package

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-19

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