Kahenge Tribal Hall, Kavango West Region. 31 July 2026.
Keynote Address by Her Excellency Lucia Witbooi, Vice President of the Republic of Namibia, on the Occasion of the Ukwangali Traditional Authority Gala Dinner.
Director of Ceremonies;
Honourable Ministers and Deputy Ministers Present;
Your Majesty, Eugene Siwombe Kudumo, the Hompa of the Ukwangali Traditional Authority;
Honourable Ministers and Deputy Ministers;
Honourable Members of Parliament;
Regional and Local Authority Leaders;
Traditional Leaders from across our country;
Captains of Industry and Representatives of the Business Community;
Development Partners;
Distinguished Invited Guests;
Members of the Media;
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good evening.
It is my distinct honour and privilege to join you this evening at this important Gala Dinner hosted by the Ukwangali Traditional Authority under the befitting theme, “Cultivating Prosperity: Empowering Communities through Agriculture.”
At the onset, I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to Your Majesty, the Hompa and the leadership of the Ukwangali Traditional Authority for organizing this remarkable event that brings together Government, traditional leadership, development partners, the private sector, and our communities around a shared vision of sustainable development.
Our Government recognizes Traditional Authorities as vital partners in Namibia’s development agenda. They preserve our cultural heritage, promote peace and social cohesion, and continue to play a vital role in community development and responsible land governance.
Director of Ceremonies;
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Under the Eighth Administration, agriculture ranks first among the Key Priority Areas.
Our aim is to achieve food self-sufficiency, reduce heavy import reliance, and support rural livelihoods. Agriculture has always been the backbone of our rural economy.
It provides food for our families, creates employment, supports livelihoods, and contributes significantly to national development. More importantly, agriculture represents hope for future generations.
As Government, we remain committed to transforming the agricultural sector into a modern, productive and climate-resilient industry capable of creating jobs, reducing poverty and improving food security.
This commitment is reflected in our national development priorities, which seek to ensure that every Namibian has an opportunity to participate meaningfully in the economy.
The Kavango regions possess huge agricultural potential.
Blessed with fertile land, water resources and hardworking communities, this region can become one of Namibia’s leading food-producing areas.
However, achieving this vision requires strong partnerships from Government, Traditional Authorities, farmers, financial institutions, investors and development partners.
Director of Ceremonies;
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Tonight’s Gala Dinner is not merely a social gathering. It is a platform to mobilize resources and partnerships that will empower communities and stimulate agricultural production.
In this context, I would like to commend the Ukwangali Traditional Authority for its vision of raising resources to acquire agricultural machinery and equipment that will directly benefit local communities. Such initiatives demonstrate practical leadership and a commitment to improving livelihoods through increased agricultural productivity.
Modern farming equipment enables communities to cultivate larger areas efficiently, increase yields, reduce production costs and strengthen resilience against climate challenges.
Equally important is investment in irrigation, livestock production, value addition, agro-processing, market access and skills development for our youth and women.
Agriculture must become attractive to the next generation of entrepreneurs who will drive innovation and economic growth.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The Government cannot achieve these aspirations alone.
Sustainable development demands collective action.
I therefore encourage the private sector, financial institutions, development agencies and corporate partners present this evening to continue investing in rural development initiatives. Every contribution made tonight is an investment in food security, economic growth, employment creation and the future prosperity of our communities.
To our farmers, I encourage you to continue embracing innovation, conservation agriculture, modern farming technologies and sustainable land management practices.
Your dedication continues to feed our nation and strengthen our economy.
To our young people, agriculture offers enormous opportunities beyond traditional farming. It presents careers in agribusiness, technology, logistics, research, food processing and entrepreneurship. The future of Namibian agriculture depends on your creativity, innovation and determination.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
As we pursue economic development, let us remain committed to protecting our natural resources for future generations.
Sustainable agriculture requires responsible management of our land, forests and water resources while adapting to the realities of climate change.
Our development efforts must always strike a balance between economic growth, environmental sustainability and social inclusion.
This evening also reminds us that development succeeds when communities take ownership of their own future. The Ukwangali Traditional Authority has demonstrated that visionary leadership can unite people around a common purpose. That spirit of unity and self-reliance deserves our full support.
Before I conclude, allow me to congratulate the organizing committee, sponsors, volunteers and everyone whose hard work has made this Gala Dinner possible. Your commitment reflects the true spirit of service and community development.
May tonight inspire new partnerships, greater investment and renewed hope for our farming communities.
Together, let us empower our communities.
Together, let us build a food-secure, prosperous and resilient Namibia.
With these remarks, I wish this esteemed gathering a successful and enjoyable evening.
I thank you.
