Esther Hoveka of BP, Vice-Chairperson of the Windhoek Branch of the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industries (NCCI) on Tuesday night cited the volatile Namibia Dollar, AIDS, rising crime, unemployment and instability in the region as main reasons hindering economic growth.

This in turn fuelled inflation and eliminated the chances of a much-needed reduction in bank interest rates. By the end of the year the economy seemed to get back on track, Hoveka said at the AGM.

In 2002 the Windhoek branch grew from 139 to 273 members. The National AGM of the NCCI will take place on 21 June.