AN Evaluation Of The Impact Of Chinese Involvement In The Construction Sector In Namibia

ABSTRACT 

The increasing number of Chinese companies in Namibia has sparked public debate about their impact in the country. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact the participation of Chinese companies have on the development of local companies in Namibia. The data was collected through in depth interviews with and desk research, and the thematic analysis technique of the qualitative methodology research was used to interpret the data. The study contends that the involvement of companies of Chinese origin in the construction industry has confined the participation of local companies to projects of smaller magnitudes and also putting strain on those smaller companies in meeting requirements set out by the procurement rules. The study also highlights some positive attributions of this participation such as the diversification of the market.  Contrary to what some term as the reluctance of the Namibian government to intervene in the plight of the local companies in securing public projects, this study affirm that government has embarked on reforming the public procurement process in order to benefit local companies. The study suggests that, while international companies are not excluded from participating, there should be deliberate interventions by government to enable the local companies and industry capacity to grow. The study further suggests that research should be undertaken to investigate better ways of growing local capacities, without excluding foreign companies from participating.