“Our PPP policy tries to fill a gap. We have created a legal framework through which the private sector can, profitably, take part in public infrastructure development. So if we want to create a larger power generation capacity, we believe that is more attractive to the private sector. We believe therefore that we can tweak our public resource allocations and do it in a manner that is replaced by the private sector and in a manner that is transparent.”
Hon. Calle Schlettwein, Minister of Finance
“We are very interested in strategic partnerships, it is critical that we capitalise on the PPP opportunities we have available here. We have brilliant candidates for bringing in capital, skills, technology and being a service partner. We need to look at each sector to enhance any shortfalls and create a strategy that investors can jointly benefit from.”
Hon. Leon Jooste, Minister of Public Enterprise
“Regarding PPPs, there was a need for us to take a specific policy that would benefit our people and to proceed in a peaceful and stable way for the development of our country and our economy. The private sector has an essential role to play in the development of our economy, they are the engine to driving our economy forward and the government recognises this wholeheartedly. Currently, we are facing many challenges of underdevelopment and PPPs are key to helping us combat these.”
Hon. Immanuel Ngatjizeko, Minister of Industrialisation, Trade and SME Development
“Having worked in South Africa I am aware of the opportunities or losses that can come from enhanced or limited public-private sector dialogue and a commitment to both working closely together. Namibia has a very vocal private sector and the public sector has displayed via the NIPA and NEEEF Act that it is actively listening. This should give investors confidence that the PPP Act has been met with approval on both sides and provides an opportunity for the country to pull in the same direction.”
Mr Eino Emvula, CEO Namibia Asset Management
“We have huge advantages compared to many other SADC economies. We have many people who have worked on both the public and private sides because we are a small country and because there is a small business community. That is why I think we can make a success of PPPs as a vehicle for socio-economic and cross-border growth.”
Mr Stephen Galloway, Co-Chair Enterprise Namibia
“The government understands that we are better as a country when we work together. Namibia has an opportunity to be an example to the region concerning what a country can achieve when the Harambee pulls together. The PPP Act is new but we have a mature financial services sector, maturing public enterprises and leadership who collectively want to see Namibia increased the ease of doing business to attract investment. The market access and expansion potential Namibia provides to the region is critical for our integration and industrialisation agenda. If we work hard at ensuring both sectors understand
the legislation and how to best implement or execute on PPPs we also have an opportunity to support our neighbours and be involved
in cross-border PPPs.”
Mr Ipumbu Shiimi, Governor Bank Of Namibia
“The opportunities for PPPs are everywhere and in all the sectors. The Namibian Government has been trying to develop our infrastructure for the past 27 years. So let us release some of our major infrastructures, not to sell up, but to give away a significant percentage to a private company to come and develop that infrastructure. To stimulate growth, we have to develop ourselves so we can reap the long-term benefits, that is where we as a country need to be now and I am confident we all see the potential. It is up to us now to leverage this, know our roles and add value.”
Mr Johny Smith, CEO Walvis Bay Corridor Group
“Namibia has great potential. Provided we enforce our PPP policy, it has the potential to make a big difference. We must be clear on each of our roles and certainly, the Namibian Trade Forum will continue to support and be a conduit between the public and private sectors to enhance infrastructure and therefore Namibian trade. What I would like to do is have greater dialogue with business associations such as Enterprise Namibia so we can effectively collaborate on matters vital to Namibia’s growth and reduce overlap.”
Ms Ndiitah Nghipondoka-Robiati, CEO Namibia Trade Forum
“We can, with government, create a structure for PPPs within government facilities. Prosperity Holdings have learned this after running a PPP type scheme for eight years in the tourism sector successfully and we can see this structure being transferred to our national healthcare strategy.”
Mr Bertus Struwig, CEO Prosperity Holdings
“Back when I was the CEO of Feed Masters and before PPPs was an Act, we tried to come to an agreement with Transnamib that would allow us to land closer to the rail, so we could transport our goods in an efficient and cost-effective manner. At the time there was no will and the understandings of how it would be mutually beneficial did not register entirely. Now, with the underlying economy struggling, I have seen a change in mindset. Namibians are having the right conversations. There is still work to be done but I believe the PPP Act is clear and if something must be redefined in application it will be. PPPs can be instrumental in building this nation but there must be a commitment and no tolerance to corruption otherwise the trust will be lost.”
Mr Andre Snyman, MD Walvis Bay Salt Refiners
“The new PPP act will enable more opportunities now because the private sector is waking up. New PPPs are coming into play and new opportunities are being created; this new legislation is what Namibia needs. For me, this is the best thing that could have happened. The Act sets the stage for leadership working towards the President’s mandate and allowing us to move and act in one voice.”
Mr Christophe Van de Vijver, MD Nuvella Management Services
“We are small enough that a little tweak to our PPP policy will make a big difference, so I think they have got to do it right. Certainly, we should be reaching out to global best case examples such as Singapore whom you target in your report.”
Mr Lyndon Sauls, CEO IJG
“The need to involve the private sector is so critical and as part of our continued commercial and marketing drive, we are saying that we need to work very closely with the private sector. As a government, we cannot achieve it alone and as a private sector alone we cannot achieve. It is therefore crucial for that partnership to be cemented and that is precisely the vision of our President.”
Mr Bisey Uirab, CEO, NAMPORT
“PPPs provide a framework of comfort to all stakeholders; however, irrespective of that, our assessment is that due-diligence does not change. What matters is the underlying assessment and the full package, how it is structured and whether or not it will generate value. Therefore, even though it is all about the underlying assets, it gives everyone -especially foreign investors – a great framework to invest.”
