Welcome to

The Windhoek Rural Chamber of Trade

Who We Are

The Windhoek Rural Chamber of Trade is a non-profit incorporated organization that unites businesses and professional individuals and firms, thus creating a central agency that lends itself to improving business and building a better community. The strength of the Chamber lies in attracting the greatest number of individuals and businesses into its membership, thereby creating a pool of resources from which to draw ideas, energy, and investments.

Our Programmes

01.

Rural-urban and domestic tourism promotion

For tourism to be described as rural tourism, it should mirror the characteristics that signify a rural area including small settlements, low population densities, agrarian-based economies, and traditional societies.

02.

Windhoek Rural Green Scheme initiative

Generally agriculture in Namibia is expected to meet the dual objectives of providing food and helping people to escape poverty. The expectation is that if the gap between actual and potential yields can be closed, smallholders will grow sufficient crops.

03.

Small livestock farming promotion

Small livestock provide smallholders with milk, meat, eggs, wool and manure, making an important contribution to household food and economic security, and playing significant economic and social and cultural roles.

04.

Usip River Trail Project

The Usip Riverwalk development is viewed as a key component to Groot Aub’s having a healthy, diverse economy that includes being recognized as a tourism destination with a distinctive sense of place. Groot Aubs’s historic status as a rural settlement will preserved.

FAQ

Who is the Chamber?

The Windhoek Rural Chamber of Trade is a private non-profit association of business and professional people. While our main purpose is to serve as a voice for the business community, we are active in many other areas as well. For example, we promote business through events and festivals that also benefit the community.

How big is the Chamber?

Currently the Chamber is on a recruitment drive targeting a membership of 100. The budget of the year is over 1.2 million.

Does the Chamber endorse political candidates?

No, Chamber policy is to study and take action on issues that affect our members and/or the community, but to leave the election of candidates to individuals. The Chamber needs to be able to work cooperatively with whoever is elected, and that cannot be accomplished if endorsements are made.

Who runs the Chamber?

The Chamber is run by a Management Committee (MC) with seven members. The members will serve a three-year term (renewable for another term). Policy is executed by the Chairman who is also acts as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) on a pro bono basis. The day-to-day operations of the Chamber are run by an administrator who is the only paid staff.

How do I join a committee?

Members are invited to join any committee that fits their needs and interests. Please call the office and speak with one of the staff. A list of committees is also included under committees.

What’s the best way to get the most from my membership?

That depends on what you want to get out of your membership. Our most satisfied members are those who attend meetings and activities, and who use the Chamber as a resource for information and business promotion. Chamber activities and meetings are the perfect place to make contacts with potential customers and business partners. The chamber is here to be a resource and provide opportunities for you to grow your business through education, networking, advocacy, etc.

Do you have a liaison to the City of Windhoek?

The Chamber has an executive Management Committee member available to assist you with any special needs in working with the different departments at the City of Windhoek and the utility companies. The Chamber also offers City-related resources, such as permit and licensing information on our website.

Do you offer any type of program to benefit students of the community?

Currently not, but the Chamber shall provide four scholarships per year to area students beginning college or trade schools.

Will joining the Chamber grow my sales?

Chamber membership has its rewards. As a current member of the WRCT, you can promote your business to other Chamber members through your participation in our Member to Member Discount Initiative. You acquire new business, and they get a break when using your products or services.

What kinds of businesses does the Chamber help?

Every kind – retail stores and restaurants, agriculture, manufacturing, hair salons, and other personal service providers, medical and other professional offices, business-to-business consultants, non-profits and many more. If you’re doing business in Windhoek Rural or would like to, the WRCT is for you!

How does the Chamber help me promote my business?

In addition to all the marketing communications above, the Chamber shall host scores of marketing and networking events every year. Marketing events include high-visibility booths during the high-traffic festival seasons. Many events offer the opportunity to provide refreshments and/or raffle prizes to showcase your offerings, and some include Chamber members from as far as Windhoek. The more active you are in Chamber events, the more top-of-mind visibility you’ll enjoy.

How does the Chamber help me improve my overall business operations?

Business today is complex and hyper-competitive, so the Chamber shall offer practical how-to workshops, seminars and professionally-led programs to help you get and stay up to speed with today’s winning techniques. Chamber members with expertise in law, finance, IT, marketing and more shall offer seminars for nominal fees. The Chamber also represents the business community in discussions with the City of Windhoek and actively works to encourage a business-friendly climate. We also partner with the Windhoek Rural Constituency and other local entities. Bottom line: The Chamber is always on the lookout for cost-effective, cutting-edge ideas to increase sales and profits, and we share this knowledge with you.

What does the Chamber do to help me connect with other business owners?

Among the many events the Chamber will host each year, a majority will be monthly breakfasts, luncheons and after-hours events to make networking easy, and much more free or at great discounts to Chamber members. Most events will be held at the at members’ own locations.

Is the Chamber affiliated with the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI)?

We are in the process of getting this affiliation and many Memorandums of Associations (MOUs)