Construction has begun on the N$10-million Usakos SME Park, a project led by QKR Namibia Navachab Gold Mine in partnership with the Usakos Town Council.
The initiative is expected to boost entrepreneurship, job creation and long-term local economic activity in the Erongo region.
QKR Namibia Navachab Gold Mine managing director George Botshiwe says the project follows months of structured engagement with the Usakos Town Council, community consultations and alignment with the town’s five-year strategic plan.
Botshiwe says the SME Park supports Navachab’s focus areas, which include infrastructure development, entrepreneurship, education, training and local safety initiatives.
He says the development is expected to improve business visibility, attract investment and position Usakos as an active stopover for transport, trade and travellers.
“Our focus areas are clear and today’s groundbreaking speaks directly to entrepreneurship and job creation. A functional small and medium enterprise park will serve as a catalyst for economic activity at Usakos.
“It will bring structure, visibility and dignity to local businesses,” Botshiwe says.
Navachab has also confirmed it is restoring the Usakos fire truck at a cost of just over N$1 million.
Parts are expected to arrive on 15 December, with completion targeted before the festive period.
In addition, the mine is preparing support for local schools in 2026 through fencing, hall renovations and a planned science laboratory project in partnership with Andrada Mining.
Speaking at the event, minister of international relations and trade Selma Ashipala-Musavyi says the SME Park represents a strategic opportunity to strengthen competitiveness and integrate Usakos into wider regional and global markets.
“The establishment of the Usakos SME Park is far more than a construction project; it is an intentional economic intervention designed to unlock value chains and catalyse small business development,” she says.
She says the park is expected to stimulate manufacturing, logistics, retail and business services while creating a platform for SMEs to participate in cross-border commerce and compete within the Southern African Development Community, the African Continental Free Trade Area and beyond.
Ashipala-Musavyi says the ministry will continue to ensure that such infrastructure supports national strategies on value addition, sustainability and job creation.
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