Kapako: The Kapako Constituency in the Kavango West Region has launched targeted youth tourism workshops aimed at promoting job creation and enterprise development, with leaders calling for practical action, skills development, and the sustainable use of natural resources.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Kapako Constituency Councillor Augustinus Kupembona spoke at the launch, emphasizing that the initiative seeks to unlock economic opportunities and empower young people to actively participate in local development. Kupembona highlighted the constituency's natural and cultural assets, such as its river systems, biodiversity, and heritage, as key drivers of tourism growth if effectively harnessed. He called for innovation and inclusivity in development efforts, urging the community to think beyond existing resources and explore new ways to create value.
Deputy Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism Ansel Marungu described the workshop as a strategic intervention aimed at unlocking the potential of young people in Namibia's tourism sector. He stressed that tourism should serve as a vehicle for inclusive growth and sustainable livelihoods, leveraging Kapako's unique natural landscapes, wetlands, forests, wildlife areas, and cultural heritage. However, Marungu cautioned that policy support alone is insufficient due to persistent barriers such as limited access to finance, market entry challenges, and gaps in mentorship and information dissemination.
Northeast Regional Tourism Officer Nelson Kandjimi outlined the workshop's goals to equip young people with knowledge on tourism, sustainable practices, and available opportunities within their constituency. The programme will also provide guidance on policy requirements, business registration, and market access, highlighting the role of the Namibia Tourism Board in regulation and promotion. Kandjimi emphasized the need to reposition the Kavango regions from transit corridors to tourism destinations to retain visitors and increase local revenue.
The workshop, scheduled from 21 to 24 April 2026, is expected to train 200 young people.