By Patience Makwele

Dinapama Manufacturing and Supplies, one of Namibia’s largest textile and garment manufacturers, has been identified as a model for local value addition and regional skills transfer through a collaboration between Namibia and Zimbabwe. According to Zimbabwe’s High Commissioner to Namibia, Melody Chaura, this will built stronger cooperation between the two countries in industrial development, adding that such collaborations are vital for creating jobs and empowering youth across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
Chaura made the remarks during a visit to the Dinapama factory in Windhoek, where she stressed that it is time for Africa to stop measuring progress through external models.
“It should be a thing of the past where our youth always see development in the context of the European dream or the American dream. We can create a dream that gives our people hope and that dream can be realised here in Africa, here in SADC, and yes, right here at Dinapama,” Chaura said.
She stressed that her office would prioritise practical cooperation that translates into tangible benefits.
“Our job is to make sure we turn the wheels of trade and industry so that we are able to industrialise our countries, create jobs and bring prosperity to our people. We must not miss any opportunities for cooperation,” she added.
Dinapama managing director, David Namalenga said: “Maybe we need to limit the talking and take the path of action. Our mind-set should be growth.  To grow the economy and create an environment that accommodates all people, especially young people,” Namalenga indicated.
He noted that Zimbabwean expertise had been instrumental in Dinapama’s establishment.
“At the beginning, when Dinapama was being established, we had a team from Zimbabwe of a few young men and one woman who trained us and worked with us to take us where we are today. That relationship is still alive and this is just the beginning,” he added.
Students currently undergoing training at the facility said the collaboration is opening doors in a tough job market.
“We are learning practical skills that can help us find employment or even start our own small businesses. The training has given us confidence to contribute to Namibia’s manufacturing sector,” said one trainee.
Another student highlighted the regional benefits of exposure to skills transfer adding: “It is encouraging to see cooperation between Namibia and Zimbabwe at this level. We are gaining skills that are recognised across the region, and that gives us a competitive advantage.”