By: Loise Shiimi
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has unveiled plans for the establishment of processing centres or industries in each region of Namibia.
She stated that the size of these centres, regardless of whether they are small or large, is less important than their operational status.
Speaking at the opening of the annual meeting of traditional leaders on Monday in Ondangwa, Nandi-Ndaitwah remarked that the majority of citizens currently reside in rural areas. To that, she expressed her desire to see transformative changes in developmental plans that cater to these communities.
“We need to identify the economic strengths of every region in Namibia. The development of production centres will drive change in our communities and help us achieve self-sufficiency in food production,” she stated.
To ensure the success of the proposed processing industries, Nandi-Ndaitwah called upon traditional leaders to collaborate closely with the government to foster a shared vision for progress.
“Please take the time to familiarise yourselves with the policies and programs designed to create jobs for our youth. These initiatives aim to bring tangible socio-economic development to your communities through effective land management. You play a critical role in representing the government in our unitary state,” she encouraged.
She also urged all traditional leaders to support the government in implementing the 6th National Development Plan (NDP 6) to reach the development goals set forth in Vision 2030.
In addition, she commended traditional leaders for availing land to the government and private sectors for establishing green scheme farms and other agricultural initiatives, including the cultivation of grapes and blueberries.
“Recently, Hompa Sofia Mundjembwe Kanyetu of the Shambyu Traditional Authority has made land available to the government for the establishment of a watermelon processing facility,” she noted.
Nandi-Ndaitwah further pointed out that traditional leaders in the Zambezi Region have also availed land that has remained underutilised for years, assuring that it would soon be put to productive use.
Moreover, the President recently visited green scheme farms in the Zambezi, Kavango East, Kavango West, and Omusati regions, expressing satisfaction with the progress made compared to her visit to some of these farms last year.
“Last year, I returned feeling disappointed as they were not operating at their full potential. The progress I observe today is encouraging; people are highly motivated, significant advancements have been made, and I believe that remaining challenges will be addressed as every citizen contributes,” she expressed.
The 8th administration is committed to unlocking Namibia’s full agricultural potential and positioning green schemes as models of excellence in sustainable development.
“Together, we can transform green schemes into engines of food security and create sustainable job opportunities for our youth,” she added.
