Finance Minster Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila yesterday urged players in the domestic market to support local goods and services and to stop relying on imports.

The Finance Minister said the development of small business was a vital tool in empowering the previously disadvantaged.

Small businesses, she said, were a critical element in creating employment; therefore the public procurement system ought to incorporate SMEs through preferential procurement.

“In this regard preferences and set-aside arrangements under the Government tender will be strengthened in order to boost Government efforts to empower the previously disadvantaged and support SMEs,” the Minister said.

“These efforts will further be consolidated if our private sector can also give preference to local products in their procurement systems.”

Kuugongelwa-Amadhila said it was sad to note that Namibia continues to import goods that were produced locally.

“As a result, our locally produced goods are not able to find a market,” she added.

She urged the Tender Board to open up opportunities for small businesses, especially in the agricultural sector.

Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, who was addressing members of the Tender Board, reminded officials to stick to the law in their daily duties throughout the tender process.

“In discharging your duties, you will be required to ensure that there is full compliance with the law throughout the tender process, from formulation of tender specifications to the awarding of the same and completion of the projects.

“It is important that we are transparent in our actions, as it is important that we are seen to be fair,” emphasized the Minister.

Kuugongelwa-Amadhila criticized the Tender Board for taking “forever” in processing tender documents and payments.

In some cases, she said, small businesses had to wait six months for payment.