The Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI) and the Namibian Police strengthened ties to combat crime and create a safer environment for businesses and investors.

This was discussed during a high-level corporate engagement in Windhoek on Thursday, where business leaders, government officials and law enforcement officials discussed the impact of crime on economic development and the need for closer cooperation.

The engagement forms part of preparations for the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two institutions. The agreement is expected to establish a formal framework for cooperation on crime prevention, information sharing, compliance and security matters.

Speaking at the event, NCCI president Vetumbuavi Mungunda, said economic growth cannot be achieved without a secure business environment.

He said the country faces increasingly complex security and economic challenges that require coordinated action from both the private sector and law enforcement agencies.

“We cannot address these challenges through fragmented efforts. A structured partnership is needed to protect businesses and support economic growth,” he said.

Delivering remarks on behalf of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security Minister Lucia Iipumbu, Executive Director Nghidinua Daniel stressed that security and economic development are closely linked.

He said criminal activities continue to threaten businesses, jobs and investment across the country.

Daniel identified theft, robbery, burglary, fraud, cybercrime, vandalism, illicit trade and organised crime as some of the major threats affecting the business sector.

He noted that crime increases operating costs for businesses, weakens investor confidence and reduces government revenue.

“Businesses can only thrive where there is safety, stability and respect for the rule of law,” he said.

Acting NamPol Inspector General, Major General Anne-Marie Nainda told business leaders that law enforcement agencies are facing increasingly sophisticated criminal networks and growing cybercrime threats.

She said addressing these challenges requires stronger cooperation between the police and the private sector.

“There is a need for modern policing equipment, specialised training, improved information-sharing systems and advanced technologies to strengthen crime-fighting efforts,” she said.

The Thursday engagement follows discussions between NCCI and NamPol leadership earlier this year, during which both parties identified the need for a more structured partnership to address security concerns affecting the business community.

NCCI Chief Executive Officer Titus Nampala said the chamber remains committed to strengthening cooperation between businesses and national security institutions.

He urged companies to play a more active role in crime prevention, saying it is more effective and less costly to prevent crime than to deal with its consequences.

-pmukokobi@nepc.com.na

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