Oshikoto governor Sacky Kathindi has called for Tsumeb's mining wealth to be translated into jobs, skills development, and business opportunities for local people. He made the remarks while officially opening the 2026 Tsumeb Copper Festival, where he challenged mining companies, businesses, and government institutions to ensure local communities benefit meaningfully from economic activities in the town. Kathindi emphasized that economic growth should not be measured by production figures and investment announcements alone.
Kathindi highlighted that mining and industry remain important pillars of Tsumeb's economic identity, but the benefits of these sectors must extend beyond production figures and investment announcements. He called for greater local participation in mining and industrial supply chains through skills development, supplier opportunities, technology transfer, and support for businesses capable of providing goods and services to the sector. This, he believes, will help ensure that more economic opportunities remain within the region.
The governor said Tsumeb's mining heritage, strategic location, and established business community provided a strong foundation for economic development. However, the town needs to do more to attract investment and ensure its benefits reach residents. The festival, held under the theme "Copper Sparks, Tsumeb Shines," brings together government, mining companies, entrepreneurs, farmers, and other stakeholders to explore investment opportunities and strengthen business partnerships.
Kathindi urged investors and business leaders to use the festival to develop practical projects that could stimulate economic activity and create employment. He challenged them to move beyond exchanging business cards to developing bankable proposals, concluding practical agreements, and implementing projects that benefit the town and region. The governor also emphasized the importance of supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through local procurement, mentorship, skills transfer, and enterprise development.
According to Kathindi, local entrepreneurs need access to markets, finance, information, technology, and professional networks to grow into sustainable businesses capable of competing in wider markets. He said stronger participation by local businesses in supply chains could help ensure that more economic opportunities remain within the region instead of benefiting only established companies. This, in turn, can help create jobs and improve livelihoods.
Kathindi identified tourism and agriculture as sectors that could help diversify Tsumeb's economy and reduce dependence on mining. He said Tsumeb's history, culture, mining heritage, and hospitality facilities offered opportunities to develop tourism, while the inclusion of Farmers Day in the festival program highlighted agriculture's role in food security and economic diversification. The governor called for stronger links between farmers, financial institutions, suppliers, retailers, and investors to improve productivity and expand market access.
The governor emphasized that economic development requires cooperation between government, the private sector, financial institutions, and communities. He stressed that these efforts should contribute to Namibia's broader development agenda, including the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6) and Vision 2030, which seek to promote a productive, inclusive, and diversified economy. The festival's success, Kathindi said, should ultimately be reflected in the investments secured, businesses supported, and jobs created through partnerships established during the event.
Key points
- Tsumeb's mining wealth must be translated into jobs, skills development, and business opportunities for local people.
- The town needs to diversify its economy and reduce dependence on mining.
- Economic development requires cooperation between government, the private sector, financial institutions, and communities.
