28 May 2024

On behalf of FirstRand Namibia Group, as Group entities, FNB Commercial and RMB today announced a N$500,000 sponsorship towards the Africa Hospitality Investment Forum (AHIF) to be hosted by Namibia on 25 – 27 June 2024. 

AHIF, which is known as the most influential annual gathering of hospitality industry investors, business leaders, government officials, bankers, and expert advisors on the African continent, typically welcomes delegates from over 50 countries for three days of high-level networking, formal business meetings and discussion of all the latest trends and developments.

The Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) facilitated the winning for Namibia, and serves as the host partner for this year’s event. The sponsorship demonstrates a shared commitment to enhancing Namibia’s competitiveness while contributing to economic growth and development. 

FNB Namibia’s Head of Enterprise Banking, Connie-Marlene Theyse reiterated that the Group recognizes the tourism industry’s significance to the Namibian economy, as a significant creator of employment and social upliftment, and its vital contribution to other vital sectors. 

“We are proud to partner with the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board for the Africa Hospitality and Investment Forum with a N$500,000 sponsorship on behalf of FirstRand Namibia. The work done by the NIPDB to win the bid to host the Africa Hospitality Investment Forum is commendable as it provides a platform to showcase Namibia and its uniqueness as a travel destination and provides a platform to unlock opportunities for local industry players and investors”, said Theyse. 

NIPDB Executive Director for Strategy & Branding, Margareth Gustavo applauded the FirstRand Namibia Group for its consistent support to Namibia evidenced by collaboration on various investment promotion related events and MSME development projects over the past three years. She added that this is a demonstration of the Group’s deliberate commitment to sustainably growing the Namibian economy and contributing towards driving investments into key sectors that catalyse the attainment of the national development agenda. 

“This sponsorship is not just about financial support, but also about bringing together diverse stakeholders to develop Namibia. We look forward to continued collaboration and participation in various development projects that aim to make Namibia a thriving and prosperous nation”, said Gustavo. 

AHIF is expected to bring together over 300 delegates who will converge in Windhoek to discuss key topics including Government Initiatives to Support Hospitality, Hotel Development, Hotelification of the Workspace, Investing in Namibia as well as the New Global Geopolitical Order and its Impact on Hospitality, amongst others. 

His Excellency President Nangolo Mbumba will formally open the event on 26 June 2024. Other prominent speakers include the Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, Honourable Pohamba Shifeta and several top executives who, between them, have the power to transform a destination by funding projects.

Caption:
Catherine Shipushu, NIPDB Senior Manager: Marketing, Communication and Branding, Nangula Shejavali, NIPDB Manager: Policy Reform and Business Climate, Margareth Gustavo, NIPDB Executive Director: Strategy & Branding, Daniel Motinga, Head of Sovereign & Public Sector Banking at RMB Namibia,  Connie-Marlene Theyse, Head of Enterprise Banking at FNB Namibia, Dino Ballotti, NIPDB Executive Director: MSME Development, Innovation & Acceleration and Ndeapo Wolf, NIPDB Consultant: Development & Partnerships at the sponsorship handover ceremony at the Investment House this morning.

Issued by : Catherine Shipushu
Senior Manager: Marketing, Branding and Communications
Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board
Telephone: +264 83 333 8636
Mobile:  +264 81 127 9069
Email: catherine.shipushu@nipdb.com