Niël Terblanché
The Nambaza Shopping Centre in Onankali is expected to employ up to 200 people once fully operational.
So far, it has created about 70 permanent and 15 temporary jobs.
The centre officially opened on Thursday and will serve residents, nearby villages, and travellers along the B1 road.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industries, Mines, and Energy, Natangue Ithete, praised the locally owned project at the inauguration.
He said it adds value to the community and creates jobs.
“This shopping mall, owned by Namibians, is evidence that Namibia is a country that has a lot to offer despite short- and medium-term economic challenges. As a government, we are committed to continuing to support economic empowerment spaces for our people and national development through sustainable initiatives and policy frameworks,” Ithete said.
The shopping centre includes a service station in partnership with the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (NAMCOR).
Ithete pointed to this partnership as an example of how Namibians and state-owned enterprises can work together to create jobs and improve infrastructure.
He linked the development to the national goals of economic independence and industrialisation.
Speaking of May, the month of the late founding president Sam Nujoma’s birthday, Ithete recalled his values of unity, peace, and economic freedom.
“As we continue to honour him, let us join President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to accelerate the implementation of government initiatives as expressed in Vision 2030 and the National Development Plan 6. It is indeed not business as usual,” he said.
“I encouraged local entrepreneurs to use government institutions like the Namibia Industrial Development Agency (NIDA) and the Namibia Institute of Mining and Technology (NIMT).”
He urged community members to pursue opportunities in industries, mines, and energy.
“Do you have a dream to make it in industries, mines or energy? Please go for it! Your government is here to support you,” he said.
The ceremony ended with Ithete officially declaring the Nambaza Shopping Centre open and congratulating the developers and the people of Onankali for their achievement.
