By: Annakleta Haikera
Kavango West Governor Verna Sinimbo has called for the urgent establishment of a Regional Investment Committee (RIC) to unlock the region’s vast economic potential.
Speaking at a stakeholder engagement meeting with the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) on Monday, Sinimbo stated that the committee would serve as a central platform to attract and coordinate investors.
She noted that the region, with a population of 123,266 (as of 2023), has abundant yet untapped opportunities, particularly in agriculture and tourism.
“We have water, fertile soil, and a perennial river. These are assets that make our region investor-friendly, yet we have not fully tapped into this potential, and we must start now,” Sinimbo asserted.
Sinimbo expressed concern over the region’s considerably high unemployment rate, estimated at between 52% and 58%, particularly amongst young people. To that, she urged investment in manufacturing, agro-processing, and food industries to aid in absorbing unemployed youth and stimulate growth.
On tourism, she highlighted the Kavango River and its natural attractions such as hippos and crocodiles, suggesting innovative ideas such as crocodile farming and developing river-based tourism services, including boat rides between Nkurenkuru and Rundu.
“We have very good tourism areas that we can tap into, but this sector is dormant. We need to establish facilities and improve hospitality so tourists have good accommodation when they visit,” Sinimbo added.
Sinimbo assured stakeholders that her office, in partnership with NIPDB, would fast-track the establishment of the committee to create a clear regional profile and open doors for investors.
Meanwhile, NIPDB Senior Manager of Public Investment and Local Content, Ndapewa Hangula, underlined the importance of the RIC in ensuring equitable investment opportunities across all 14 regions of Namibia. She noted that investment has largely been concentrated in Khomas, Erongo, and //Kharas, leaving regions like Kavango West lagging behind.
Hangula said the RIC would empower local people to identify and package development opportunities in agriculture, agro-processing, and other sectors.
She stressed that Kavango West, with its fertile land and flowing rivers, is well-positioned for agricultural projects and agro-processing initiatives that can diversify the economy.
She added that NIPDB works closely with the Namibia Industrial Development Agency (NIDA) and other state institutions to attract both local and foreign investors, highlighting Namibia’s recognition as the number one destination for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Africa.
Hangula declared that the RIC would play a vital role in addressing unemployment, inequality, and poverty while boosting productivity and sustainable development in Kavango West and beyond.
