Staff Writer
The Development Bank of Namibia (DBN) has strengthened its presence in the Oshana Region, financing projects worth N$978.7 million since its inception.
According to the Oshana Regional Council, the investments have supported a range of sectors with significant impact.
The largest share of funding went to the construction industry at N$170.8 million, while housing development received N$152.6 million.
Electricity infrastructure projects in Oshana were supported with N$116.8 million. In the 2024/25 financial year, the health sector received N$22.1 million. DBN also provided N$1.8 million to finance micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the region.
During the 2024/25 period, the Agricultural Bank of Namibia (Agribank) facilitated agricultural financing to 43 communal farmers in Oshana.
The total amounted to N$8.6 million, representing a 25% increase from the previous year. This included salary-backed loans to 17 farmers valued at N$2.3 million, while 20 farmers received N$4.8 million under the National Agricultural Credit Programme (NACP).
The Agricultural Bank of Namibia (Agribank) recorded a 64.1% increase in livestock loans, with financing focused on livestock, poultry, fencing, tractors, and machinery. The Oshana Region has called for these financing facilities to be extended to youth and women in agriculture.
Oshana governor, Hofni Iipinge, said the regional economy continues to provide a conducive environment for investment, business development, and job creation. He noted that with untapped potential across multiple sectors, Oshana remains a key player in driving inclusive and sustainable growth.
The region hosts several trade exhibitions, including the Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair, the Ondangwa Industrial and Trade Exhibition, and the Oshakati Totem Expo. Iipinge said these events help connect local businesses with national and international markets.
The Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade has played a role in driving enterprise support and trade facilitation. In 2024/25, the ministry registered 396 Close Corporations, a 30.5% increase from the previous year, and issued 851 MSME certificates. Under the Industrial Upgrading and Modernisation Programme, three projects were funded at a total cost of N$546,947. To further support MSMEs, the ministry approved N$1.1 million to procure equipment for 17 enterprises.
The Business and Intellectual Property Authority (BIPA) office in Ongwediva is now fully operational, providing essential services to clients across northern Namibia.
Caption
Oshana governor, Hofni Iipinge
– Photo: Contributed
