The Namibia Economist

Private sector optimistic about 2012

Players in the private sector continue to be optimistic about business growth and opportunities for 2012 and are expecting good returns from investments.
Roux-Che Locke, public relations officer at the Ohlthaver and List Group of companies (O& L), said that the company estimates revenue to increase by 25%.
“Our aim for 2012 is to further increase this by approximately 20%,” she said.
“We are very optimistic and hope to record very good results for our financial year 2012. This is attributed to our motivated workforce which is inspired to work for our future, heavy investments over the past years which are paying off - not only in terms of infrastructure, but also the investment that we are committing into our leadership which is also responsible for executing a very good strategy,” Locke said.
The group’s previous financial year ended in June 2011, during which its operating profit increased by 65%. Almost all companies who are subsidiaries of O&L showed significant increase in performance, “but one has to single out our property company which showed the biggest increase and is now a significant contributor to our bottom line,” said Locke.
According to Locke, major investments and developments are lined up for the year.
“Across the group, significant investments are planned and some of them have commenced already.  At Namibia Breweries, we are further expanding our capacity as well as modernising it; we are increasing our capacity at Hangana Seafood by introducing the latest technology in forming products. With our property company, Broll Namibia, we plan to build a residential complex in Independence Avenue as well as the new Strand Hotel..,” she added.
Excitement for the new year is also rife at the Frans Aupa Indongo Group of Companies, with a focused outlook  for new investment opportunities.
Kobus van Graan of Frans Aupa Indongo Group of Companies said that after overcoming 2011, which he describes as a tough year, the Indongo Group’s strategy for 2012 would be to maintain and grow what it has.
Van Graan also expects sectors that are dependant on global exports to benefit from a possible weakening of the exchange rate. “However weaker demand, especially from the Eurozone could offset this benefit,” he added.
Despite the positive outlook for the year, Van Graan added that: “Market demand in South Africa is under pressure, and I expect South African manufactured products to put huge pressure on similar locally manufactured goods. Government expenditure will be the main driving force of the economy and in general, I expect Namibian economic growth to be higher than what the region would experience.”

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