A Ncamagoro craftsman in Kavango West, who has been working with wood for more than three decades, has turned his passion into a thriving business.

Andreas Ngunga started the Andreas Craft Centre 10 years ago and said his craftwork has become increasingly popular.

If you drive along the B8 road between Rundu and Mururani, you will find an interesting structure on the eastern side of the road.

Located at Mile 30 in the Ncamagoro Constituency of the Kavango West Region, the center features wood artefacts of different types and sizes, decorating the surrounding landscape.

Ngunga explained that that while his craft center is particularly popular with German tourists, local people also form an important part of his customer base.

"We really thank our clients, like the Germans and the community members. We have different prices for local people and visitors from foreign countries. When you compare the foreign customers and the local customers from Namibia, they are not equal in terms of the prices."

Ngunga inherited his craft skills from his late grandfather. A lack of employment opportunities also encouraged him to start the business.

His dream is to have more young people join him at the craft center.

“I want the youth to come here and gain knowledge. What I have in mind is to create job opportunities for women and give unemployed young people a chance to gain experience so that when I depart from this world, everyone can benefit from what I have initiated.”

Ngunga sells more than just crafts. His business can also be rented for photo shoots or used as a venue for events.

Those looking to enjoy the artistic atmosphere while having a picnic are also welcome. All they need to do is pay a small fee.

Ngunga is calling for more support, especially from local residents.

"When they have weddings, they usually go to the councillor's office, Nkwasi Lodge or Ngandu Lodge, instead of coming here. To grow the community, people should come and support us."

Ngunga has three other local craftsmen who also sell their crafts at the center.

Hendrina Mbanze is one of them. She weaves a variety of items, including traditional fishing tools and mats made from aloe plants.

She also grows various plant species and sells them to locals and travellers alike. Selling her items at the Andreas Craft Centre is her main source of income.

“This business is really assisting us. There is no need to ask for help every time or depend on someone else. We are getting what can put food on the table. We need support to move from this stage to the next stage."

Mbanze said her customers include community members and visitors passing by. 

"I want us to craft coffins that can be used to bury people. We are supposed to do it here, but we do not have electricity."

Despite challenges such as a lack of water and electricity at the craft center, Ngunga remains hopeful about the future of his business and its potential to create opportunities for the local community.