By: Loise Shiimi
Ohangwena Region entrepreneurs have been advised to utilise the strategic advantages of the region as a potential gateway to Angola in terms of trade and other partnerships.
Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, the Minister of International Relations and Trade, made these remarks during the 14th Business Regional Engagement held in Eenhana, Ohangwena Region, last Friday.
She noted that the geographical advantage is unique in propelling Namibia’s diversification efforts under the SADC Protocol on Trade and the AfCFTA Protocol.
“By leveraging this positioning, we can expand our trade networks, enhance cross-border commerce, and create sustainable job opportunities for our citizens,” the Minister explained.
Adding that it, however, requires complementing the existing connectivity infrastructure and fostering partnerships to not only stimulate economic growth, but also contribute to regional stability and integration.
She further encouraged collaboration, highlighting the need to expand trade networks, enhance cross-border commerce, and create sustainable job opportunities for citizens.
Reflecting on the most recent census data (Ohangwena Regional Profile Business Establishment) by the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) for the period of 2019 to 2021, Ashipala-Musavyi said growth trajectory has been observed in sectors such as logistics in transportation and communication, accommodation and food services, and wholesale and retail services.
She added that such sectors illustrate the dynamism of the nation’s economy and highlight the importance of diversifying its economic base.
Namibia and Angola’s trade relations have been at a peak in the 2000s, and have gone beyond goods as Namibia exports health services to Angola.
This led to the growth of Oshikango, and has also fed nearby towns such as Ondangwa and Eenhana.
The enhanced trade even prompted the two nations’ central banks to enter into a currency exchange arrangement.
However, approaching 2018, upward trade and traffic evaporated, with some claiming it is due to the loss of the US Dollar in Angola.
The two neighbouring countries have been trying to revive trade between them, however, Oshikango has not recovered to its glory days, as empty buildings can still be observed around the town.
Due to mobility arrangements, the trade between the two countries is mostly dominated by small-scale exchange and informal trade plus ngungula service (fuel grey market).
Above all, on border entry for export and import, Oshikango recorded the least trading activities, with export activities for September 2025 valued at N$33 million, while imports were valued at N$30 million in the same month.
Since September last year, these figures have barely reached N$50 million monthly.
Additionally, Ashipala-Musavyi elaborated on the government’s plan to financially support 6,000 youth-owned businesses each year and to establish at least 20,000 informal and micro-businesses over the next three years.
“Achieving these objectives necessitates a robust framework that not only fosters entrepreneurship, but also ensures young people have the tools and resources they need to thrive,” she stated.
Ashipala-Musavyi further explained that to facilitate this goal, the government has established a National Youth Fund, with an annual budget of N$500 million dedicated to supporting youth in their entrepreneurial pursuits.
She noted that the fund is managed by a dedicated unit within the Development Bank of Namibia (DBN), which will provide mentorship and effectively administer resources to ensure young entrepreneurs have access to the support they require.
“The government envisions a Namibia where every citizen has the opportunity to prosper. Our implementation strategy includes a firm commitment to promoting creative industries and youth development. By nurturing the creative sector, we can harness the talents of our young people, providing them with platforms to express themselves and contribute to our cultural and economic landscape,” she added.
Regarding the creative industry, Ashipala-Musavyi emphasised that this initiative goes beyond merely fostering artistic talent; it aims to create sustainable livelihoods and empower young individuals to become entrepreneurs across various creative fields.
Meanwhile, Omri-Onn Kavandje, Eenhana Town mayor, underscored the importance of business, stating that it is the lifeblood of any community.
“Through enterprise, jobs are created, innovation is fostered, and opportunities are unlocked. In Eenhana, our traders, entrepreneurs, and investors have demonstrated remarkable resilience and creativity, even in challenging circumstances,” he noted.
Despite the positive outlook on business, Kavandje pointed out the challenges facing the Ohangwena Region.
Recent floods have displaced nearly 150 families and damaged croplands, schools, health facilities, and bridges, while contaminating water sources and increasing the risks of hunger and disease.
“These harsh realities demand urgent collaboration between the ministry and regional businesses to strengthen preparedness, protect livelihoods, and invest in resilient infrastructure and sustainable development. By adding value to local resources, we can transform them into goods that compete both nationally and internationally,” he argued.
Kavandje reaffirmed the Town Council’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for business where infrastructure is reliable, policies are supportive, and partnerships are cultivated.
“Business is not solely about profit; it is about people, families sustained by employment, youth inspired by innovation, and communities uplifted by growth,” he added.
