NAMIBIA: Informal Enterprise Voice––stories from informal enterprise owners and their relationship with government authorities

Southern African IDEAS has initiated a project that talks to informal enterprise owners and manager about their business experiences. Special attention is given to the relationships informal enterprises have with government as well as with larger formal enterprises.

The first instalment of these stories comes from Namibia––from Katutura in Windhoek.

To view, go to: http://www.youtube.com/user/SouthernAfricanIDEAS

Gazza Welding

Gazza welding is a small, informal enterprise employing seven people in what is known as “Herero Mall” in Katutura, the former township of Windhoek, Namibia. Herero Mall has been temporarily set aside by the City of Windhoek as a place where informal enterprises can operate. However, they have no tenure. They do not pay rent and could be moved off the location at anytime when more formal developments are approved.

This video is a part of a series examining the link between business environment reform and the experience of informal enterprises. Many African economies are dominated by informal enterprises. Indeed, most employment, often insecure, poorly paid and sometimes dangerous is found in the informal economies of Africa.

Date of filming: 6 January 2010

Location: Katutura, Windhoek, Namibia

Camera: Simon White

Production: Simon White

Key words: informal enterprise, informal economy, business environment reform, Katutura, Windhoek, Namibia, employment, Southern African IDEAS, SMME development, job creation, SMME development, Simon White

24-Hour Tyre Repair

Quick Tyre Repair provides a 24-hour tyre repair service. Simply drive in anytime of the day and night, knock on the caravan door, and your tyre will be repaired or a new one fitted. This business in run by a husband and wife and is a small, informal enterprise in what is known as “Herero Mall” in Katutura, the former township of Windhoek, Namibia. Herero Mall has been temporarily set aside by the City of Windhoek as a place where informal enterprises can operate. However, they have no tenure. They do not pay rent and could be moved off the location at anytime when more formal developments are approved.

This video is a part of a series examining the link between business environment reform and the experience of informal enterprises. Many African economies are dominated by informal enterprises. Indeed, most employment, often insecure, poorly paid and sometimes dangerous is found in the informal economies of Africa.

Date of filming: 6 January 2010

Location: Katutura, Windhoek, Namibia

Camera: Simon White

Production: Simon White

Key words: informal enterprise, informal economy, business environment reform, Katutura, Windhoek, Namibia, employment, Southern African IDEAS, SMME development, job creation, SMME development, Simon White

Kahepa Car Wash

Kahepa Car Wash employs seven people. Customers park their car for washing and can purchase drinks while they wait. This business is located in what is known as “Herero Mall” in Katutura, the former township of Windhoek, Namibia. Herero Mall has been temporarily set aside by the City of Windhoek as a place where informal enterprises can operate. However, they have no tenure. They do not pay rent and could be moved off the location at anytime when more formal developments are approved.

This video is a part of a series examining the link between business environment reform and the experience of informal enterprises. Many African economies are dominated by informal enterprises. Indeed, most employment, often insecure, poorly paid and sometimes dangerous is found in the informal economies of Africa.

Date of filming: 6 January 2010

Location: Katutura, Windhoek, Namibia

Camera: Simon White

Production: Simon White

Key words: informal enterprise, informal economy, business environment reform, Katutura, Windhoek, Namibia, employment, Southern African IDEAS, SMME development, job creation, SMME development, Simon White