On Wednesday, 15 March, Nedbank Namibia held an economic discussion at the Swakopmund Hotel and Entertainment Centre. The discussion was centered around the Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises, Ipumbu Shiimi’s Budget Statement which was tabled in parliament last month. 

The event, which coincided with the bank’s annual employee roadshow; was organized for the purpose of bringing together leading voices in the coastal business community to discuss the current economic state of the country. A number of business players from different industries where in attendance at the event, including Swakopmund Municipality Chief Executive Officer, Alpheus Benjamin.

In her opening remarks, Nedbank Namibia Managing Director, Martha Murorua, said that it is important for all players within the Namibia economy to align their efforts with government initiatives for reviving the economy. “As we are all players in the Namibian economic environment, it is integral for us to familiarize ourselves with what our government, through the ministry of finance, is financially prioritizing, so that we also understand what role we can play in that one thing that is common for all of us: to see the people of our country prosper,” she said.   

“Our purpose at Nedbank Namibia, of being money experts who do good, correlates really well to the theme of the National Budget, and we fully support government’s commitment to reducing poverty and inequality. Our purpose also highlights that we intentionally do not only see ourselves as the money experts working in a financial institution, but our quest is only complete when we take our expertise and use them for the betterment of our society,” said Murorua. 

Also speaking at the event, Managing Director of High Economic Intelligence Namibia, Salomo Hei, gave a presentation on the global, regional, and domestic economic outlook focusing on key indicators including, Global GDP Growth, Inflation, SACU Revenues, and Debt. 

The panel discussion was moderated by Nedbank Namibia Executive for Corporate and Investment Banking, Tjivingurura Mbuende, and included, Senior Research and Product Development Officer - Agribank Namibia, Indileni Nanghonga; Managing Director: High Economic Intelligence Namibia, Salomo Hei; and a representative from Sequoia Tax and Legal Advisory, Elizabeth Manasse.

The discussion covered a wide range of topics, and the panelists engaged in an informative discussion, sharing their unique perspectives and insights on the critical issues and key highlights outlined in the 2023/2024 National Budget.