Namibia could soon expand its agricultural export market into the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Congo's Haut-Katanga Province has expressed interest in sourcing meat and other agricultural products from Namibia.
A delegation led by Haut-Katanga Governor Martin Shula visited the Otjozondjupa Region to assess Namibia's meat processing capacity, cattle quarantine facilities, and agricultural production.
The visit placed particular emphasis on beef, pork, and poultry products as well as other agricultural investment and exchange.
Haut-Katanga Province has a population of more than 30 million people, presenting a potential market for Namibian agricultural products.
Speaking through an interpreter, Shula said the visit was aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between Namibia and DRC.
“So, we are going to sign an economic agreement between the two provinces and later engage with business people so that we can boost the economies of the two provinces.”
The delegation also visited maize plantations at B2Gold, Kombat, and Rietfontein to familiarise themselves with activities there.
Otjozondjupa Governor, John ||Khamuseb encouraged farmers to increase food production to capitalise on the proposed agreement with Haut-Katanga Province.
“Now, it is the final phase, where we will be advised by the Auditor-General's Office and the Office of the Minister of International Relations. With the blessing of the government, we are going to sign an agreement so that we can start delivering on the demands of these people.”
In Otjiwarongo, the delegation also visited FabuPfarm, a local pharmaceutical and personal care product manufacturer, to assess its production activities and explore how its products could contribute to meeting the needs of Haut-Katanga Province.
The visit continued to Grootfontein, where the delegation inspected a proposed site for a dry harbor near the railway line before proceeding to an oil, gas, and other lubricants facility.
The engagements are expected to lay the groundwork for a possible agreement that could open up trade opportunities between the two regions.