Ohangwena: Ohangwena Region Governor Kadiva Hamutumwa has outlined four strategic development priorities for 2026, including the establishment of a textile manufacturing factory and the development of a large-scale agricultural project in Ekoka. Hamutumwa revealed this during the strategic performance review held on Wednesday, saying that these priorities are aligned with Namibia's sixth National Development Plan (NDP6) and intended to accelerate economic transformation and service delivery in the region.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the first priority is the establishment of a textile manufacturing factory aimed at creating jobs, particularly for women and youth, reducing reliance on imports, and shifting the region toward industrial participation. "It represents a deliberate step toward building a stronger regional economy," she said.
The second priority is the development of more than 200 hectares of productive agricultural land in Ekoka, as prioritised by the Ministry of Agriculture. "For our region, agriculture must become an economic pillar - not merely a survival activity. As you are aware, Ohangwena currently does not have a green scheme. This project aims to transform underutilised land into productive capacity," she added.
She highlighted that the third priority is the commencement of the construction of a Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) campus at Eenhana. "The functional NUST campus will provide access to higher education, reduce migration pressures on young people, and align skills development with regional priorities such as engineering, agriculture, ICT, and entrepreneurship. Development without skills is unsustainable," Hamutumwa said.
The fourth priority focuses on the expansion of water supply projects to address climate variability and rural vulnerability. "Water security underpins every development outcome: health, agriculture, industry, and human dignity," said Hamutumwa.
She emphasised that prioritising the four projects does not mean other initiatives will stop, but that focusing on high-impact projects will strengthen execution and improve measurable outcomes. She further urged stakeholders to lead with integrity, execute with discipline, and serve with humility.