Zambezi trade hits N$91 billion as border activity booms

Trade through the Katima Mulilo and Ngoma border posts surged to historic highs over the past year, with imports reaching N$71 billion and exports standing at N$20 billion, Zambezi governor Dorothy Kabula said during her state of the region address this week.In comparison, trade volumes in the previous financial year stood at N$52 billion in imports and N$13 billion in exports.Kabula, the first woman to serve as governor of the region, attributed the growth to Zambezi’s strategic position as a gateway to several SADC countries.She said the region benefits significantly from the Walvis Bay–Ndola–Lubumbashi development corridor, which channels goods from Namibia’s coast into landlocked areas of southern and central Africa.“These figures reflect not only our geographic advantage but also our growing role as a trade hub,” the newly appointed governor said. “All our border activities have recorded substantial increases in revenue, affirming the region’s contribution to Namibia’s economy.”Kabula said this growth underlines the urgent need to speed up development of the Katima Mulilo One-Stop Border Post (OSBP), referring to ongoing efforts to modernise infrastructure and reduce customs bottlenecks.A bilateral agreement with Zambia was signed this year to establish the OSBP, and a consultant has been appointed to guide the process.“Efforts are ongoing to ensure its successful implementation,” she said, adding that the OSBP is expected to “enhance trade, create employment opportunities and contribute to regional economic development.”Conservation pays offAside from trade, Kabula also spotlighted the region’s conservation-driven economic activities. Fifteen conservancies and one association collectively generated N$30.6 million in revenue during the reporting period, slightly lower than last year, but still a strong showing in support of sustainable development.Of this amount, N$2.3 million was distributed directly to local communities as awards and benefits, while another N$6.2 million was invested in community projects aligned with development goals. Kabula praised conservancies for “reinforcing the importance of community-led conservation initiatives”.Kabula concluded that Zambezi’s economic potential lies not only in its location but in its people and their ability to protect natural resources while driving development.“Our region’s unique geographic and economic position demands dynamic cross-border cooperation,” she said. “We have the foundation to become a leading regional trade and conservation success story.”phillipus@nmh-hub.com.na#Rundu #business #news #Kavangoeast #nmh #NamibianSun #Republikein #RegionalReview #AZ #localnews #Zambezi #KatimaMulilo

Zambezi trade hits N$91 billion as border activity booms

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Namibian Sun 2026-05-15

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Zambezi trade hits N$91 billion as border activity booms

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Namibian Sun 2026-05-15

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