Sostenus Wilherm
Oshikoto governor Sacky Kathindi says Tsumeb’s mining wealth must translate into jobs, skills development and business opportunities for local people.
He warned that economic growth should not be measured by production figures and investment announcements alone.
Kathindi made the remarks on Thursday while officially opening the 2026 Tsumeb Copper Festival, where he challenged mining companies, businesses and government institutions to ensure local communities benefit meaningfully from economic activities in the town.
“Mining and industry remain important pillars of Tsumeb’s economic identity. However, the benefits of these sectors must extend beyond production figures and investment announcements,” Kathindi said.
He called for greater local participation in mining and industrial supply chains through skills development, supplier opportunities, technology transfer and support for businesses capable of providing goods and services to the sector.
The governor said Tsumeb’s mining heritage, strategic location and established business community provided a strong foundation for economic development, but the town needed to do more to attract investment and ensure its benefits reached residents.
His remarks come as the town hosts the festival under the theme “Copper Sparks, Tsumeb Shines”, bringing together government, mining companies, entrepreneurs, farmers and other stakeholders to explore investment opportunities and strengthen business partnerships.
Kathindi urged investors and business leaders to use the festival to develop practical projects that could stimulate economic activity and create employment.
“Let us move beyond exchanging business cards to developing bankable proposals, concluding practical agreements and implementing projects that benefit our town and region,” he said.
He also challenged large companies, public institutions and established businesses to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through local procurement, mentorship, skills transfer and enterprise development.
According to Kathindi, local entrepreneurs need access to markets, finance, information, technology and professional networks to grow into sustainable businesses capable of competing in wider markets.
“Let this festival open doors for our small and medium enterprises and strengthen their contribution to regional economic development,” he said.
He said stronger participation by local businesses in supply chains could help ensure that more economic opportunities remain within the region instead of benefiting only established companies.
The governor further identified tourism and agriculture as sectors that could help diversify Tsumeb’s economy and reduce dependence on mining.
He said Tsumeb’s history, culture, mining heritage and hospitality facilities offered opportunities to develop tourism, while the inclusion of Farmers Day in the festival programme highlighted agriculture’s role in food security and economic diversification.
Kathindi called for stronger links between farmers, financial institutions, suppliers, retailers and investors to improve productivity and expand market access.
“Through these partnerships, we can improve productivity, expand market access and ensure that our farmers retain greater value from their products,” he said.
He added that agriculture should be viewed not only as a means of production but also as a business sector offering opportunities in processing, distribution, logistics and technology.
The governor said these efforts should contribute to Namibia’s broader development agenda, including the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6) and Vision 2030, which seek to promote a productive, inclusive and diversified economy.
He stressed that economic development required cooperation between government, the private sector, financial institutions and communities.
“The government must create an enabling environment, businesses must invest and innovate, financial institutions must support viable enterprises, and communities must participate actively in shaping their economic future,” Kathindi said.
He challenged stakeholders attending the festival to identify practical opportunities to contribute to the development of Tsumeb and the wider Oshikoto Region.
Kathindi also acknowledged the contribution of Sinomine Tsumeb Smelter, the festival’s principal sponsor, and other corporate partners, calling for continued cooperation between industry and local communities.
He said the festival’s success should ultimately be reflected in the investments secured, businesses supported and jobs created through partnerships established during the event.
“May the partnerships formed here become investments. May those investments create jobs. May those jobs improve livelihoods,” Kathindi said.
