The Oshana Regional Council has reserved 15% of its N$110 million procurement budget exclusively for micro-enterprises and informal businesses, creating opportunities worth approximately N$16.5 million for local entrepreneurs.
The ring-fenced allocation was a key highlight of the recent State of the Region Address (SORA) delivered by Oshana Governor Hofni Iipinge.
The targeted procurement policy forms part of a broader economic development strategy aimed at strengthening Oshana’s position as the commercial and administrative hub of northern Namibia.
“The Oshana Regional Council continues to promote local economic participation through its procurement policy. Of a procurement budget of approximately N$110 million, 15% was reserved for micro, small and informal businesses. This approach creates opportunities for local entrepreneurs to participate in government contracts, generate income and expand their operations. These empowerment initiatives continue to stimulate local economic growth while broadening participation in the formal economy,” Iipinge said.
He said the local procurement initiative complements ongoing growth in the region’s micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) sector. During the past financial year, the Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade registered 1,329 new businesses and issued 975 micro-enterprise certificates across the region’s 11 constituencies.
To further reduce barriers for emerging entrepreneurs, more than N$866,000 worth of equipment and raw materials was distributed to 15 previously disadvantaged business owners.
In addition, the Development Bank of Namibia approved N$11.3 million in financing to support projects in construction, manufacturing, wholesale trade and other sectors.
“Access to finance remains critical for economic expansion and job creation. During the reporting period, the Development Bank of Namibia approved financing amounting to N$11.3 million for projects in the region. The funding supported key sectors, including construction, electricity infrastructure, manufacturing, health services, wholesale trade and business services,” Iipinge said.
The governor also revealed that Oshana received a capital allocation of N$357.3 million, of which N$180.1 million had been spent by the end of the fourth quarter.
According to Iipinge, the expenditure has supported job creation through public infrastructure projects, generating 120 permanent positions and more than 1,600 temporary and impact jobs across regional councils, educational facilities and local utilities, including Oshakati Premier Electric.
Iipinge said the workforce behind this employment growth is currently upgrading the region’s water, electricity and health infrastructure through several major development projects.
In the water sector, Phase 1 of the Ondangwa Wastewater Treatment Plant has reached 95% completion. At the same time, NamWater is implementing bulk water infrastructure upgrades valued at nearly N$1 billion, including the refurbishment of the Karuheke–Oshakati Canal, replacement of the Ogongo–Oshakati pipeline and upgrading of the Oshakati Water Purification Plant.
“Government, through NamWater, continues to invest in strategic bulk water infrastructure to secure the region’s long-term water supply needs. Key projects currently underway include the refurbishment of the Karuheke–Oshakati Canal, the replacement of the Ogongo–Oshakati pipeline and the upgrading of the Oshakati Water Purification Plant. Collectively valued at nearly N$1 billion, these projects will significantly strengthen water security, improve system reliability and support future economic growth across the northern regions,” he said.
