According to Baronice Hans, Managing Director of Bank Windhoek, the aviation industry acts as a multiplier in the growth and enablement of other vital sectors such as trade and tourism.
Hans made these remarks recently in the capital during the Aviation and Connectivity Forum discussions hosted by the Namibia Airports Company (NAC).
She discussed the bank’s involvement in the aviation industry, the roles and importance of financial institutions, post-COVID-19 critical learnings, and the importance of closer collaboration with the financial sector.
“World-class aviation, road and rail infrastructure can propel Namibia to greater economic prosperity. As a result, the availability of capital in these industries has a significant economic impact. This is an area in which financial institutions can help,” Hans stated.
Hans also called for stronger collaboration between the banking, private and public sectors in order to “accomplish more”.
She stated that Bank Windhoek has provided more than N.dollars 500 000 000 in funding to the aviation industry over the last five years and that the bank values long-term partnerships.
“Every Namibian is proud to walk into our new, improved airport. Collectively we must strategically, holistically and sustainably position Namibia as a key logistics hub. The one opportunity that financial institutions can improve is collaboration. We must determine how we will get there and then execute our plans with focus and discipline,” said Hans.
The forum, which featured over 35 renowned local, regional and international speakers, was Namibia’s first of its kind.
It established a platform on which key industry players and stakeholders shared, debated, rethought, and implemented ideas about the future of the aviation industry and its related ecosystems.
Moderated by the Executive Director of Business Financial Solutions (BFS), Kauna Ndilula, the discussions also featured other panellists such as Development Bank of Namibia Chief Executive Officer, Martin Inkumbi; RMB’s Head of Investment Banking, Jason Shikalepo and the Development Bank of Southern Africa’s Regional Manager, Davies Pwele.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency