Three small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Uis each received a N$50 000 boost from the Ministry of Local Government and Housing and Rural Development's Rural SME Micro Finance Programme last week.

The businesses included a craft, weaving and carpentry business - all which have already been operational for some time; an important condition that gave them success over 360 other applicants. In fact, only four SMEs from the entire Daures Constituency, Erongo's largest rural constituency, which includes Omatjete, Uis, Spitzkoppe and Okombahe, were successful in their applications for the grant that is offered annually.

"You are very fortunate to have succeeded, and this is key for you now to open more opportunities in Uis," said Daures Constituency Councillor, Ernst Katjiku, who officiated the grants. "All we need from you is hard work and commitment."

The aim of the rural SME micro finance programme is to assist in the alleviation of poverty through business stimulus and job creation. Only those applicants that are from the constituency and have shown an initiative to start the business, and whose businesses have been on the go for some time were shortlisted.

The boosting of SME's is considered a cornerstone in economic development as about 30 per cent of the GDP comes from small and medium enterprises, according to Katjiku.

"I hope that the best crafts, clothes, carpets and furniture will come from Uis and will be exported to the rest of Namibia," said Katjiku.