A commitment to employment generation
Unemployed graduate becomes employer of seven
Founder of Omwiilolola Investment, Joshua Cloete is a 29-year-old who struggled to find employment and decided to venture into entrepreneurship. He now employs seven people.
Joshua Cloete, an alumnus of the 2013 class of the International University of Management (IUM), struggled to secure internships or employment after graduating. Countless job applications yielded little success. He encountered rejection due to either being overqualified or lacking adequate experience. Undeterred, he embarked on several entrepreneurial ventures, including graphic design, an internet café and poultry farming.
Cloete said his entrepreneurial journey has been marked by a mix of highs and lows. However, he maintained unwavering consistency, fostering gradual growth and a wealth of experience in personnel services.
In 2019, Omwiilolola Investment CC, an enterprise spearheaded by a team now known as Omwigroup, had its origins in Omwiilolola Shuttle CC. The business began as a Windhoek to Oshakati transport company, serving clientele from Tsumeb.
Cloete added that they also offer cleaning services, which are tailored to meet the needs of subcontractors within Namdeb, and not extended to Namdeb directly.
The Covid-19 pandemic, which ushered in financial difficulties, was worsened by ongoing vehicle repayments and intense competition on the Windhoek-Oshakati route. In light of these challenges, the business operations changed to survive the market. Currently headquartered in Oranjemund and Rehoboth, Omwigroup offers cleaning solutions and the provision of electrical components, available in various regions of the country.
An opportunity occurred where the business secured a cleaning contract with a subcontractor affiliated with Namdeb. This, Cloete said, marked the juncture where their portfolio expanded and invaluable experience was gained.
Omwigroup also offers an array of electrical parts, encompassing ISO switches, spotlights, beacons, electrical anti-corrosive spray, alternators, starters, service kits, and more.
“Our commitment to customer satisfaction is underscored by our ability to source these components from global hubs, including South Africa, the United States of America and the United Kingdom,” he said.
Future plans
Remaining ever vigilant for new opportunities, the founder aspires to expand business operations and provide employment opportunities to a broader cross-section of the Namibian population.
Their objective is to contribute to employment creation, with a steadfast focus on empowering the nation's youth, he said.
Cloete added that his newfound faith in Jesus Christ has inspired him to utilise business as a platform for spreading hope and encouragement.
“I draw motivation from the belief that irrespective of one's circumstances, a path to success will be provided,” he said.