The government has allocated N$8 million to revive the Kalimbeza National Rice Project and has also approved that a sugar plantation be established on part of Kalimbeza, as well as a sugar processing plant in Katima Mulilo.

President Nangolo Mbumba revealed this during his address at the national independence celebration at Katima Mulilo.

The two projects to be rolled out soon are among the few projects earmarked to bring much-needed development and jobs to the Zambezi Region.

"Today, Namibians can look forward to a bright future. Massive oil and gas discoveries have been made in our ocean, green hydrogen investments are about to materialise, and our latest budget of N$100 billion will create more jobs and give our citizens much-needed disposable income. As a result, we all, including the private sector, SME sector, and citizens, need to hold hands with the government and with each other to galvanise the economic revival of Namibia for increased job opportunities and development."

President Mbumba said that in the Zambezi Region, as in other regions, the government has taken concrete steps to promote economic advancement through the construction of critical infrastructure. 

This includes the construction of a 60-kilometre-long electrical line, starting at Ivilivinzi and ending at Impalila Island, connecting the localities of Mbalasinte and Kasika, ensuring that significant economic growth will take place in those communities.

"The electrification of Impalila and surrounding areas will also benefit businesses and boost the tourism industry, amongst other things. The government has additionally extended the rural electrification grid to most government infrastructure region-wide. 90% of the Zambezi government infrastructure is connected to the main grid."

The upgrading of roads to bitumen standards in the region will increase the movement of goods and services as well as create new business opportunities in the Zambezi Region.