Nkurenkuru: A regional committee designed to transform Kavango West into a hub for investment and job creation was established at Nkurenkuru on Monday. The committee, operating under the guidance of the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), serves as the central engine for regional transformation, amongst others through identifying, packaging, and promoting high-value projects while simplifying investment processes and creating a business environment that inspires investor confidence.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Kavango West Governor Verna Sinimbo stated that the existence of such a committee is a landmark achievement in the region's journey toward economic transformation and inclusive development. "The initiative connects local strengths with national and global investment opportunities," Sinimbo said before highlighting Nkurenkuru's strategic position as a gateway to untapped opportunities across multiple sectors, including agriculture, tourism, trade, natural resources, and renewable energy.

While acknowledging challenges such as slow economic growth, limited infrastructure, and high unemployment, the governor commended the NIPDB for providing a concrete mechanism to address these issues through regional investment profiling and project promotion. The committee aims to drive agro-processing, tourism, renewable energy, and small and medium enterprise development while championing job creation for youth. The initiative brings together government, private sector, traditional authorities, and civil society to unlock the economic potential of both Kavango West and Namibia as a whole.

NIPDB Acting Executive Director Ndapewa Hangula outlined ambitious targets during the launch, revealing that the region must create approximately 12,000 jobs annually over five years to address its 52.9 percent unemployment rate, affecting about 60,000 people. "The national goal requires creating 500,000 jobs by 2030, necessitating N.dollars 85 billion in additional investment," Hangula emphasised the importance of structured approaches, recommending a roadmap with clear objectives and stakeholder involvement at constituency levels.

'Traditional authorities will play crucial roles in identifying available land for projects, while the business community will contribute proposals to drive regional investment', said Hangula. This initiative aligns with national priorities including Vision 2030, the Harambee Prosperity Plan, and the Namibia Industrialisation Strategy, positioning Kavango West as a region ready for reliable, resilient, and inclusive growth.