Ohangwena identifies N$700m in projects
The Ohangwena Region has launched an investment map aimed at identifying and promoting projects that could attract capital, create jobs and support economic growth.
The Ohangwena Regional Investment Map and Action Plan was launched by regional governor Kadiva Hamutumwa at an official gala dinner in Helao Nafidi.
The framework identifies investment opportunities across sectors including agriculture and agro-processing, tourism and hospitality, manufacturing, logistics and transport, healthcare, renewable energy and the creative economy.
It is intended to help investors, financial institutions, development partners and policymakers identify commercially viable projects, while strengthening public-private partnerships and supporting industrial development.
The launch brought together government officials, business leaders, financial institutions, development partners, entrepreneurs and prospective investors.
Turning potential into investment
Hamutumwa said the region needed to move beyond discussing its economic potential and focus on turning opportunities into investment, jobs and higher household incomes.
“For many years, we have spoken about the potential of our region. We have spoken about our people, our agricultural potential, our strategic location, our entrepreneurial spirit and our proximity to the important markets of northern Namibia and Angola,” she said.
“But potential, on its own, does not create jobs, potential does not build enterprises, potential does not increase household incomes. Potential must be organised, promoted, financed and transformed into investment.”
Hamutumwa said the investment map was intended to give investors and entrepreneurs a clearer understanding of available opportunities and how they could participate in the region's economic development.
“Our message is therefore very clear: Ohangwena is open for business, but we are not looking for investment simply for the sake of attracting capital,” she said.
16 anchor projects
Minister in the Presidency Charles Mubita said the identified opportunities needed to be prioritised and converted into tangible development projects.
“The Investment Map and Action Plan identifies, with clarity and rigour, the bankable opportunities that lie before us in sectors such as agriculture and agro-processing, tourism and hospitality, manufacturing, logistics and transport, healthcare, renewable energy, the creative economy and other emerging industries,” he said.
Mubita said the sectors could form the basis of regional and national development, adding that resources, capacity-building and investment promotion should be directed towards turning the identified opportunities into projects.
Jason Kasuto, managing director of Monasa Advisory and Associates, said the investor map had identified 16 anchor projects, with an estimated investment of about N$700 million over the next few years.
The projects are expected to have a direct employment impact of about 5,000 jobs, he said.
“The Office of the Governor will assist in coordinating with other actors and players to bring these projects to reality in practice,” Kasuto said.
The launch is part of a broader effort to position Ohangwena as an investment destination and develop opportunities across its main economic sectors.
