“Easter is fast approaching, Christmas blues are long forgotten, so it is a chance to buy gifts for those near and dear to you”, says Vee Maharaj with a twinkle in her eyes. Maharaj is the manager of the Windhoek branch of Namibia National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI). The Chamber is once again partnering with SMEs Compete to hold a Street Market. SMEs Compete is a local consultancy firm, which focuses on helping Namibia’s SME sector grow business and create employment. 
As in the past the event gives small and medium enterprises (SMEs) an opportunity to showcase and sell their products and services in Windhoek’s city centre. The market will take place in Zoo Park on Saturday, from 08:00 to 15:00. 
SMEs Compete Danny Meyer says that more than 20 SMEs are expected to participate at Saturday’s SME Easter Street Market. Products on sale will include a range of traditional and modern garments, jewellery, footwear, batiques, curios and crafts and beauty products, among others.
Although space is almost fully booked, the NCCI’s Maharaj says a few more SMEs can be accommodated if they book immediately. Maharaj adds that SMEs are joining the NCCI in larger numbers as they have seen the benefit in membership provided by market access opportunities like the street markets.
“It exposes small firms to customers who would normally not visit Windhoek’s Katutura high-density suburb where most of their businesses are located”, says Meyer. He adds that such events not merely provide sales but also serve as a platform to establish business linkages between SMEs and corporate firms.
SME Street Markets have become popular and are now hosted quarterly by NCCI and SMEs Compete. An example of the success is the SMEs Christmas Street Market that took place in November last year. All exhibitors reported high sales recorded and a number of lasting business linkages was established.