Windhoek:The political leadership of the Democratic Republic of the Congo's Haut-Katanga Province has shown a strong interest in importing beef and maize grain from Namibia. A high-level delegation from the province is currently on a week-long business tour in the Otjozondjupa Region to explore potential trade and investment opportunities.

According to Namibia Press Agency , the delegation is led by Acting Governor Martin Kazembe Shula, and includes the Congolese Ambassador to Namibia, Christian Katoto, the province's Minister of Economy, Georges Babunyi Mbau, and Provincial Permanent Secretary Jockebed Lukwesa Musonda. On Tuesday, the delegation visited Fabupharm, a pharmaceutical manufacturing company, and the Kilo40 Commercial Farm, known for its cattle feedlot operation that supplies livestock for export to Mauritius.

During the visit to Kilo40 Commercial Farm, Shula expressed the delegation's keen interest in Namibian beef and maize grain, commending the region's agricultural capabilities. Farm owner Jannie Labuschagne showcased cattle prepared for export, highlighting the farm's operations.

The delegation also toured the B2Gold Otjikoto Mine's agricultural farm, where farm manager Jeremy Ford explained their production of maize in summer and wheat in winter. Ford shared the vision for the farm to become a major food production centre in Namibia after B2Gold's mining operations conclude.

Otjozondjupa Regional Council Chairperson Paulus Nekundi emphasized the potential for Namibia to become self-sufficient in maize production if local farmers utilized approximately 10,000 hectares for cultivation. This could help reduce the country's reliance on maize imports.

The delegation's itinerary includes a visit to Grootfontein on Wednesday, where a dry port is being proposed to facilitate trade links, and a meeting with businesspeople in Otjiwarongo on Thursday to discuss potential business opportunities.