Otjozondjupa Region is looking to strengthen its economic ties with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) through increased trade, investment and business cooperation.
A delegation from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), led by Haut-Katanga Province Governor Martin Kazembe Shula, visited the region to explore opportunities for collaboration, including potential markets for locally manufactured products.
Accompanied by Otjozondjupa Regional Governor John ||Khamuseb and Regional Council Chairperson Paulus Nekundi, the delegation visited several economic and industrial establishments to assess opportunities for mutually beneficial partnerships.
At Fabupharm, the regional governor said the visit provides an opportunity to promote Namibian products and connect local manufacturers to international markets.
"I do believe that as a governor of the region, I'm bringing a marketing possibility to this company. I do believe that after this visit, there will be a memorandum of understanding. And the first consignment of the goods will be sent to the Congo, to Katanga Province, Lubumbashi. So as the governor of Otjozondjupa, I am proud to give you the opportunity so that you can tour through this manufacturing plant and see it for yourself."
Fabupharm Head of Production and Pharmacist Richard Eiaseb explained that the company manufactures a wide range of pharmaceutical and personal care products across three main categories: solid dosage forms, liquid dosage forms and external products.
He said the company supplies vitamins, minerals and multivitamins to government institutions and the private market.
Eiaseb added that Fabupharm experienced significant growth following the COVID-19 pandemic, when supply shortages emerged after neighbouring countries restricted vitamin exports.
Meanwhile, DRC's Ambassador to Namibia, Christian Katoto, encouraged the company to explore the Congolese market, noting growing interest in its products in the DRC.
"He is a Minister of Economy, and he is the MP and they said they are seeing the products in our markets with the Fabupharm. But it is coming through small people. Now this is a big door for your product to come officially. So please let us join our efforts to see your products in our country."
He urged Fabupharm to work closely with the visiting delegation to facilitate the official entry of its products into the Congolese market.
The proposed partnership could create new export opportunities for the Namibian manufacturer while deepening commercial relations between Namibia and the DRC.
The delegation also visited a feedlot outside Otjiwarongo and B2Gold's green scheme project to gain insight into the region's agricultural and industrial capacity and identify further areas of potential cooperation.