Otjiwarongo’s economic potential in focus
The Ministry of International Relations and Trade (MIRT) has placed the spotlight on Otjiwarongo’s untapped economic potential, with Minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi urging local businesses to lead the charge in regional growth and integration into continental markets.
Speaking at a ministerial Regional Business Engagement held in the town on Friday, Ashipala-Musavyi said Otjiwarongo is well-positioned to contribute meaningfully to national development, particularly in agriculture, value addition, and trade.
“What we want to hear this afternoon is, within that agricultural framework, what other products and services can this region create market access for?” she asked. “What other goods and services are in the Otjozondjupa Region that we have overlooked?”
The event brought together regional leaders, business owners, and representatives from state agencies to identify opportunities and challenges specific to Otjozondjupa. The minister also emphasised that the government's role is to enable and support private sector growth, especially in rural and regional economies.
“This consultation is meant to foster a conducive business environment,” she said, adding that the ministry aims to “formulate and implement policies that have a direct impact on the growth and development of local businesses to capitalise on external markets.”
Otjiwarongo’s strength in agriculture and its potential for food production and processing were underscored as central themes. Quoting Governor John Julius //Khamuseb, the minister recalled his recent State of the Region Address:
“We have to continue uniting as a region. Please assist me to identify potential for this region for us to achieve agriculture, food security and economic prosperity.”
Her visit forms part of a national strategy to connect regional business leaders with opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). She also reaffirmed that the creation of MIRT earlier this year represents a shift in how Namibia approaches trade, diplomacy, and investment.
“It cannot be business as usual,” Ashipala-Musavyi said. “We have to do things differently in order to achieve different results.”
Speaking at a ministerial Regional Business Engagement held in the town on Friday, Ashipala-Musavyi said Otjiwarongo is well-positioned to contribute meaningfully to national development, particularly in agriculture, value addition, and trade.
“What we want to hear this afternoon is, within that agricultural framework, what other products and services can this region create market access for?” she asked. “What other goods and services are in the Otjozondjupa Region that we have overlooked?”
The event brought together regional leaders, business owners, and representatives from state agencies to identify opportunities and challenges specific to Otjozondjupa. The minister also emphasised that the government's role is to enable and support private sector growth, especially in rural and regional economies.
“This consultation is meant to foster a conducive business environment,” she said, adding that the ministry aims to “formulate and implement policies that have a direct impact on the growth and development of local businesses to capitalise on external markets.”
Otjiwarongo’s strength in agriculture and its potential for food production and processing were underscored as central themes. Quoting Governor John Julius //Khamuseb, the minister recalled his recent State of the Region Address:
“We have to continue uniting as a region. Please assist me to identify potential for this region for us to achieve agriculture, food security and economic prosperity.”
Her visit forms part of a national strategy to connect regional business leaders with opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). She also reaffirmed that the creation of MIRT earlier this year represents a shift in how Namibia approaches trade, diplomacy, and investment.
“It cannot be business as usual,” Ashipala-Musavyi said. “We have to do things differently in order to achieve different results.”
