The Omaheke Region is planning to establish a peanut processing plant as part of efforts to boost agro-industrial development, create employment and add value to one of the region's key agricultural products.
The proposal was announced by Omaheke Governor Pijoo Nganate during his State of the Region Address on Monday, where he outlined plans to unlock the region's industrial potential through manufacturing and mining.
Nganate said the proposed facility would process locally produced peanuts into a range of products, including peanut butter, cooking oil and other peanut-based products, reducing reliance on exporting raw produce and creating opportunities for local value addition. The proposal follows discussions held during Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare's visit to the region in May this year, when the viability of establishing a regional peanut processing plant was explored.
According to the governor, the region's growing number of peanut producers presents an opportunity to develop an agro-processing industry capable of generating employment and stimulating economic growth.
"There is an immediate opportunity for industrial agro-processing and local value addition," Nganate said.
He added that the Office of the Governor is engaging strategic partners to identify a suitable site for the plant, while discussions are under way with potential donors to secure funding for the project.
Nganate said the initiative aligns with the theme of this year's State of the Region Address, 'Unlocking Omaheke's industrial potential through manufacturing and mining', which seeks to shift the region from exporting raw commodities towards processing them locally. He said strengthening manufacturing would complement Omaheke's agricultural sector by creating new markets for local producers, increasing the value of agricultural output and retaining more economic benefits within the region.
The governor described the proposed processing plant as an important step towards industrialisation, saying it would help diversify the regional economy while supporting farmers and creating sustainable employment opportunities. The land will be used to replicate the successful Otjombinde Community Garden Project while supporting the cultivation of groundnuts to supply the government's planned peanut butter processing factory in Otjinene. The initiative is expected to increase local agricultural production, create employment opportunities and enhance food security across the region.
If realised, the facility would mark one of the region's first major agro-processing projects and reinforce the government's drive to promote value addition as a catalyst for economic development and food security.
aurelia@nmh-hub.com.na
