Speaking at an engagement with the Kavango East regional leadership, Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila called on the private sector to invest in the government's green schemes, which she said have the potential to bring about national food security.

There are seven government green schemes in the Kavango East and West Regions and the government's plans to lease them to private investors are gaining momentum.

"I was happy to note that the private sector is gearing itself to work with us in this regard because they will not only bring forward the resources that they are keeping custody of, but they will also bring their experience and expertise to make sure that projects such as green schemes materialize to create jobs and to promote food security for Namibian households."

The now-defunct Agribusdev managed Shadikongoro, Ndonga Linena, Uvhungu Vhungu, and Sikondo green schemes on behalf of the government.

The Mashare, Shitemo, and Musese green schemes are already on long-term lease agreements with private service providers.

Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila noted Namibia can feed itself and become an exporter of food if green schemes are utilized optimally.

"I know that this region is seriously affected, like a number of others, by poverty and unemployment. But this region can become a bread basket together with Kavango West, Otjozodjupa, and the Zambezi of this country, and the PPP is one way that we may be able to mobilize the resources that are available outside of government, which, by the way, belong to the public and not those institutions." 

The Premier was also happy that the Rundu Abattoir was nearing completion to provide a market for livestock farmers.

She noted that value addition is key to economic growth, employment, and wealth creation for individuals.