Windhoek: Ohangwena Governor Kadiva Hamutumwa has called for the establishment of green industries in Oshikango, saying reviving the border town's economy is key to creating sustainable employment and restoring its position as a major trade hub. Hamutumwa made the remarks on Monday during a visit by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Poverty Eradication, Labour and Industrial Relations to the Ohangwena Region.

According to Namibia Press Agency, she said Oshikango was once a key economic and logistics hub between Namibia and Angola, but now requires targeted investment to restore its economic significance. "With Oshikango having been an economic hub, or logistics trade hub, between Namibia and Angola, at the Oshikango-Santa Clara border, we need to find a way to revive Oshikango. Through developing green industries that are fit for purpose, we will be able to create sustainable employment. As we think at the national level, we need to look at what we can establish in Ohangwena, specifically in Oshikango, that will add value to employment creation," she said.

Hamutumwa said the development of industries in Oshikango would not only create jobs but also stimulate the regional economy. She said the revival of Oshikango should be supported by policies that encourage Namibians to establish sustainable businesses, noting that many aspiring entrepreneurs struggle to secure funding because they are unable to meet financing requirements, particularly collateral demanded by financial institutions. "We need policies that are friendly towards Namibians establishing sustainable businesses. A Namibian will find it very hard to obtain funding to start an industry-scale business because our red tape is too extensive," she said.

Hamutumwa further emphasised the need for government to review existing policies to make it easier for entrepreneurs, particularly young people entering the labour market, to access finance and establish businesses. "We need to find a way, from a policy perspective, to relax certain conditions for Namibians because we must stimulate the economy so that Namibians are able to create businesses, rather than only seeking employment," she added.

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Poverty Eradication, Labour and Industrial Relations is in the region to assess labour-related issues in the retail sector and engage stakeholders on challenges affecting workers and labour relations.