Oshana Governor Hofni Iipinge has delivered the State of the Region Address, in which he accounted for work undertaken during the year under review, celebrated achievements, and outlined priorities for the year ahead.

The governor said the Oshana Region embraced the national call for development and transformation.

Iipinge said the region remains committed to turning plans into action, commitments into results, and public resources into meaningful improvements in the lives of its residents.

He noted that Oshana continues to serve as the commercial, administrative, and social heartbeat of northern Namibia and a gateway for investment and innovation.

"During the period under review, the Oshana region recorded notable achievements in governance, infrastructure development, economic growth, social welfare, health care, education, youth empowerment, and community development. We witnessed continued investment in roads, water infrastructure, electricity expansion, education facilities, health care infrastructure, and sports development. We strengthened social protection programmes for vulnerable households.”

The region expanded opportunities for entrepreneurs, investing in youth development and skills training and accelerating land delivery and housing initiatives.

Good governance, inclusivity, service delivery excellence, and sustainable development remain among the foundational principles upon which we shall continue building a prosperous region.

He further emphasised the regional leadership's commitment to fostering sustainable development, improving service delivery, and creating opportunities that will enhance the well-being of all residents.

The region also recorded a decline in criminal activities.

“During the period under review, the region recorded a 13% reduction in overall reported crime, with reported cases decreasing from 11,804 in 2024/25 to 10,267 in 2025/26. This achievement reflects the commitment of law enforcement agencies, community members, and various stakeholders in promoting safety and security.”

While progress has been recorded, offences such as housebreaking at residential and business premises, assault with grievous bodily harm, robbery, theft, and domestic violence continue to pose challenges to community safety and require sustained interventions.