By: Annakleta Haikera
The restructuring of the Mashare Agricultural Development Institute (MADI) into a full-fledged agricultural college is at an advanced stage, with the first student intake expected in January 2026.
Kavango East Region Governor, Julius Hambyuka, revealed this during his State of the Region Address (SORA) delivered earlier today.
According to Governor Hambyuka, once operational, the college will serve as a hub for agricultural training and food production in the region.
He stressed that bringing this vision to life requires sizeable investment to address key challenges, including dilapidated infrastructure, staff shortages, and a lack of essential equipment; all of which are crucial for the effective functioning of the institution.
He further noted that efforts are underway to register the college with the Namibia Training Authority (NTA) and seek accreditation from the Namibia Qualifications Authority (NQA) as a technical and vocational education and training (TVET) centre.
Hambyuka highlighted that the institution is expected to offer training in modern agriculture, food production, and related fields, serving students not only from the two Kavango regions, but from across the country.
Local activist, Frans Moyo, has expressed strong support for the revival of MADI, but insists the institution must prioritise the needs of the local population. He pointed up the importance of equitable access for learners from Kavango East.
“While it’s a national institution, we must not overlook the needs of the people who live right here,” Moyo said. “For years, our young people have had to travel far to access agricultural training,” he added.
“Now that this opportunity is finally coming to our doorstep, it’s only fair that learners from Kavango East be prioritised during the first intake,” he said.
Moyo also urged that inclusion go beyond student enrollment and extend to employment opportunities for local professionals.
“We have qualified agriculturalists, engineers, and educators from this region who can contribute meaningfully. Let’s use the reopening of this college to empower our own people economically and academically,” he continued.
He further called for transparency and community involvement throughout the implementation process.
“We hope there will be ongoing consultation with local stakeholders. Communities around Mashare need to be part of the planning and decision-making, not just spectators,” he added.
In summary, Moyo called on regional leadership to ensure that once the college opens, it is well-equipped, inclusive, and reflective of the agricultural potential and developmental needs of the Kavango regions.
Kavango East is widely recognised as an agricultural hub, as it is home to five green schemes playing a pivotal role in Namibia’s food production.
