Oshikoto governor Sacky Kathindi has called on investors to explore opportunities in Omuthiya, a town emerging as a commercial centre in northern Namibia. He made the remarks at the official opening of the third Omuthiya Business Expo, where he stressed that the town's growth must translate into tangible benefits for residents. The expo brings together businesses, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders to showcase products, establish partnerships, and explore investment opportunities.
Kathindi identified investment opportunities in housing, retail expansion, mini-mall developments, light industrial facilities, warehousing, logistics, and hospitality infrastructure. These sectors could help meet the town's growing needs while expanding its commercial base and creating employment. He emphasized that investing in Omuthiya is an opportunity to participate in the development of a growing regional economy while contributing to the livelihoods of local people.
The governor urged local authorities to create a transparent and responsive investment environment supported by proper planning, adequate infrastructure, and accessible information for prospective investors. He also emphasized the importance of micro, small, and medium enterprises in the region's economic development, as they create employment, support household incomes, and provide opportunities for people to become economically independent.
Kathindi encouraged young people to embrace entrepreneurship and innovation, saying Oshikoto needs young people capable of identifying opportunities, developing solutions, and building sustainable businesses. He called for greater investment in value addition, processing, manufacturing, and local supply chains, noting that agriculture, livestock production, construction, tourism, and logistics could create additional economic opportunities.
The governor stressed that economic development should be measured by its impact on communities, particularly through job creation, poverty reduction, skills development, and increased participation in economic activities. He said development opportunities in Omuthiya should also benefit surrounding constituencies and communities across the Oshikoto Region.
Kathindi emphasized the need for partnerships between local authorities, regional councils, financial institutions, established businesses, and entrepreneurs to achieve sustainable economic development. He urged exhibitors to use the expo to reach new customers and markets, while calling on investors and financial institutions to work with local institutions to unlock viable business opportunities.
The third edition of the expo represents an important step towards building a more competitive, inclusive, and sustainable regional economy. Kathindi concluded that the future of Omuthiya will depend on collective determination to plan wisely, work together, and act purposefully. He added that the government cannot achieve sustainable economic development alone and that partnerships are crucial for success.
Key points
- Oshikoto governor Sacky Kathindi calls for investment in Omuthiya's housing, retail, and logistics sectors.
- The governor emphasizes the importance of micro, small, and medium enterprises in the region's economic development.
- Kathindi stresses the need for partnerships between local authorities, regional councils, financial institutions, and entrepreneurs to achieve sustainable economic development.
