STORY: Namibian city market bolsters local product commerce
SHOOTING TIME: April 14, 2024
DATELINE: April 15, 2024
LENGTH: 00:01:44
LOCATION: Windhoek
CATEGORY: ECONOMY

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the Village Sunday Market in Windhoek
2. SOUNDBITE (English): ALAIN SEHA, Founder of Village Sunday Market
3. various of the Village Sunday Market in Windhoek

STORYLINE:

The Village Sunday Market in Windhoek, Namibia's capital, is creating a trade space for local vendors to thrive and boost their businesses.
   
The market offers a variety of local products, such as cosmetics, arts, health products, food, fashion, home decor, and music.

Alain Seha from the agricultural training firm Urban Eden established the market in 2022.

SOUNDBITE (English): ALAIN SEHA, Founder of Village Sunday Market
"It all started during the pandemic. What actually happened was that a lot of the shops were closed, and the markets were also falling apart, which was quite horrible. A lot of people moved to the road, trying to sell goods, trying to live. So, this is about continuity, this is about helping people."

What started with just six vendors in Seha's driveway has now grown to accommodate up to 50 vendors at bigger premises.

According to Seha, vendors register to occupy space at the market and contribute 10 percent of their proceeds to corporate social responsibility, reinvested into the market's logistical needs. Charity organizations are offered free space on market days.

"What makes it unique is that the market strictly features locally made products to enhance the local trade in Namibia and promote cultural diversity," Seha said, adding that the move aimed to prioritize health-conscious and organic products to promote overall well-being in the southern African nation.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Windhoek.
(XHTV)