From Business Day Live

Namibia’s military has created a construction company that will compete for contracts with the private sector, part of a growing commercial network that has drawn criticism.

“We want to compete with others,” the firm’s first MD, Col John Namoloh, told AFP, saying the company would not limit itself to army contracts.

The firm, dubbed August 26 UBM Construction and inaugurated earlier this week, is the ninth subsidiary of the military’s commercial wing, which also has interests in the defence, textile, satellite, catering, logistics and insurance sectors.

The creation of the firm has sparked criticism from business and from those who suspect the Namibian army may be trying to mimic its Egyptian counterpart, which has gained power and wealth through a vast network of businesses.

The Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s CE, Tarah Shaanika, questioned why the military wanted to become involved in a sector that has adequate private investment.

Read more at Business Day Live