Kathindi calls for investment in Omuthiya

Sostenus Wilherm

Oshikoto governor Sacky Kathindi has called on investors to explore opportunities in Omuthiya, identifying housing, retail, logistics and light industrial development as key sectors that could drive economic growth and create jobs.

Kathindi made the remarks at the official opening of the third Omuthiya Business Expo on Tuesday, saying the town was emerging as an important commercial centre in northern Namibia and stressing that its growth must translate into tangible benefits for residents.

“Omuthiya has an important role to play in the future of the Oshikoto Region. As our regional capital, its geographical location, administrative significance and connectivity position it to become a leading commercial and service centre in northern Namibia,” he said.

The expo, held under the theme “Fostering Sustainable Economic Development and Enterprise Competitiveness”, brings together businesses, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders to showcase products, establish partnerships and explore investment opportunities.

Kathindi said Omuthiya was gradually developing from a growth point into an emerging urban centre, with ongoing efforts in central business district servicing, land delivery and the expansion of municipal services expected to support further development.

“Our responsibility is to ensure that this growth translates into employment, business opportunities and improved living conditions for our residents,” he said.

He called on the Omuthiya Town Council and Oshikoto Regional Council to work with government institutions and the private sector to ensure that development initiatives support business expansion and sustainable urban growth.

Kathindi identified investment opportunities in housing, retail expansion, mini-mall developments, light industrial facilities, warehousing, logistics and hospitality infrastructure.

He said these sectors could help meet the town’s growing needs while expanding its commercial base and creating employment.

“Investing in Omuthiya is an opportunity to participate in the development of a growing regional economy while contributing to the livelihoods of our people,” he said.

The governor also urged local authorities to create a transparent and responsive investment environment supported by proper planning, adequate infrastructure and accessible information for prospective investors.

Kathindi said micro, small and medium enterprises were central to the region’s economic development because they create employment, support household incomes and provide opportunities for people to become economically independent.

He said the business expo should serve as a platform for local producers, young entrepreneurs and emerging businesses to showcase their products, access markets and establish commercial relationships.

However, he cautioned that exposure alone was insufficient to sustain businesses, arguing that entrepreneurs also needed access to finance, business development support, relevant skills and reliable markets.

“I therefore call upon financial institutions, established businesses and development partners to strengthen their support for viable local enterprises,” he said.

Kathindi further encouraged young people to embrace entrepreneurship and innovation, saying Oshikoto needed 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.

“Our ambition should be to produce more locally, strengthen our businesses and retain a greater share of economic value within Oshikoto,” he said.

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 called for greater inclusion of women, young people, persons with disabilities and other groups facing barriers to economic participation.

“Our responsibility is to build an economy that creates opportunities for our people and ensures that the benefits of development reach the grassroots,” he said.

He added that the government could not achieve sustainable economic development alone, emphasising the need for partnerships between local authorities, regional councils, financial institutions, established businesses and entrepreneurs.

The governor 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.

“Let us turn dialogue into partnerships, partnerships into investment, and investment into opportunities for our people,” Kathindi said.

He said the third edition of the expo represented an important step towards building a more competitive, inclusive and sustainable regional economy.

“The future of Omuthiya will depend on our collective determination to plan wisely, work together and act purposefully,” he said.