The Kavango West Region has prioritised empowering communities, transforming agriculture, and creating sustainable employment, which are at the top of its list.
Governor Verna Sinimbo said this while delivering her maiden State of the Region Address on Friday.
The youngest region of the country is set on harnessing its natural strengths, which are its land, its water, and its people.
Sinimbo said the idea is to create jobs, reduce poverty, and build resilient local industries starting with the agricultural sector.
"Zone Green Scheme: is a government emerging project that is yet to be realised. Land is readily available in the size of 2000 hectares and already allocated to the government by the Ukwangali Traditional Authority. I call on the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Land Reform to prioritise and expedite the realisation of this project. The productivity of these Green Schemes will be accelerated to enhance national food production for security and to create jobs, especially for the youth."
The governor also spoke about speeding up the financing of various sports programmes and sports infrastructure.
"Phase 1 for the construction of the Nkurenkuru Multi-Purpose Youth Resource Centre, which includes different sports facilities, is at an advanced stage. So far, changing rooms, a volleyball court, a basketball court, and a netball court are completed, while phase two is planned to commence this year. The identification of land to construct basic community sports infrastructure in all eight constituencies in the region was concluded and submitted to the responsible Ministry."
Sinimbo is appealing to the Namibia Training Authority to speed up the construction of student accommodation to accommodate the youth, as well as introduce courses that speak to the needs of the region, with agriculture-related courses at the forefront.
The governor also reported that during 2024 and 2025, one thousand 199 farmers were trained in business and climate-smart agriculture.
"During the year under review, Agribank disbursed N$5.7 million in loans to 18 farmers in the region. Through the targeted financial inclusion efforts, a total amount of N$2.6 million was allocated to the women and youth loan scheme. I am also urging the youth to make use of the newly introduced National Youth Fund, which is being implemented by the Ministry of Finance, and aims to empower youth to embark on various enterprises."
Sinimbo said even though Kavango West is the youngest region, it carries the wisdom of the elders, the energy of the youth, and the vision of a people determined to rise.
"Let us stand united in purpose, bold in ambition, and steadfast in our commitment to building a region that is not only rich in resources but also in opportunity, dignity, and hope."