Namibia progresses on 14-region factory plan for local processing and job creation

This initiative aims to expand local processing, promote value addition, and create jobs, following a directive from President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. The President's directive, issued during the Heroes Day commemoration in Katima Mulilo last year, called for each region to develop a factory aligned with its unique products, resources, and economic strengths. Ngurare stated that this program is designed to move Namibia beyond primary production by developing regional manufacturing and processing capacity.

While he confirmed progress, specific details on identified factories, investment requirements, or timelines were not provided. The Prime Minister emphasized that this regional approach will support a more diversified and resilient economy by leveraging the comparative advantages of individual regions, from Zambezi to Khomas and other areas. This initiative is also expected to contribute to the government's industrialization, value-addition, and employment objectives under the Sixth National Development Plan.

Developing processing capacity closer to production areas will enable more local agricultural, mineral, and other raw materials to be processed domestically, rather than being exported as unprocessed products. Ngurare highlighted the crucial role of regional leaders in identifying viable opportunities and ensuring invest