Kavango West governor calls for unity in regional development push

Kavango West governor Verna Sinimbo called for collective action during her state of the region address at Nkurenkuru on Friday, emphasising the region’s potential for agricultural transformation and youth-driven innovation.

“Kavango West is not just geographically located at the heart of the Kavango, it is steadily emerging as a beating heart of agricultural transformation, youth-driven innovation and inclusive development,” Sinimbo said.

The governor highlighted progress across the region, from “the maize fields of Sikondo to the artisan cooperatives of Mpungu, and from the classrooms of Nkurenkuru to the communal lands of Musese,” noting that “the seeds of progress are being sown”.

However, Sinimbo stressed that sustained development requires coordinated effort across multiple sectors.

She outlined key priorities including strengthening agricultural value chains through agro-processing facilities, accelerating rural infrastructure development, and equipping youth with necessary skills and financing.

“We must ensure our farmers not only grow crops, but also own the markets,” the governor emphasised, while also calling for prioritising sustainability.

Sinimbo in her address called for a transformation of the region’s agriculture sector, highlighting agriculture as the region’s “bedrock” and primary economic driver.

She reported significant agricultural progress, with the directorate of agricultural production, extension and engineering services, ploughing 2 761 hectares, benefiting 1 435 farmers (821 women and 614 men).

“My call is to transform our agricultural sector and make Kavango West a food hub,” Sinimbo stated, noting that over 15 000 households depend on agriculture.

The region invested N$1.7 million in subsidies for horticulture, poultry and equipment for 146 farmers. Additionally, 657 farmers received training in conservation agriculture and climate-resilient practices.

The Musese Green Scheme was a major success, generating N$28.5 million from 4 200 tonnes of maize. The government-owned project, managed by a private operator, includes a commercial milling plant.

However, Sinimbo called for diversification beyond maize.

“We call on Musese to also venture into other crops and vegetable production,” the governor said.

Attention is now on the Zone Green Scheme, which has secured 2 000 hectares but remains unrealised despite significant groundwork. Sinimbo called on the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform to prioritise the realisation of the project.

Sinimbo further underscored the importance of digital inclusion, stating that even remote communities must have access to modern tools and services that can transform livelihoods.

The governor stressed that development cannot be achieved by government alone, and required “the collective hands and hearts of citizens, traditional leaders, faith-based organisations, civil societyvand the private sector.”

“Kavango West may be the youngest of Namibia’s regions, but it carries the wisdom of elders, the energy of youth, and the vision of a people determined to rise,” she said.

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