Works and Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi has issued a stern warning to government institutions against bypassing Namibian-made products in favour of imports, saying offenders will face disciplinary action.
Speaking during a visit to Dinapama Manufacturing and Supplies in Windhoek on Wednesday, Nekundi said it is mandatory for ministries to prioritise locally produced goods when they are available. Importing products without confirming their unavailability locally is a “serious offence”, he stressed.
“Cabinet has directed that all ministries procure through government stores and prioritise Namibian goods. Only when an item is unavailable should sourcing from abroad happen, and even then, an official confirmation must be issued,” Nekundi said.
He revealed plans to publish a catalogue and an online database of goods consumed by government to help local entrepreneurs identify business opportunities.
Dinapama’s managing director, David Namalenga, welcomed the move, saying it could boost industrialisation but warned that unfair advantages enjoyed by importers remain a challenge for local manufacturers.
Nekundi further urged all local producers to register with the ministry for potential collaboration, adding that efforts to disguise imports as local products will not be tolerated.
