Ondangwa launches new strategy to boost industry and tourism
Town charts roadmap for growth
Ondangwa CEO Ismael Namgongo says council cannot drive the town's growth alone and urges residents to provide input, noting that they should have a say in its future direction.
The Ondangwa Town Council last week officially launched the town’s Local Economic Development (LED) and Tourism Strategy, describing it as a turning point in its vision to build a more industrialised, resilient and inclusive economy.
The initiatives are expected to guide Ondangwa in harnessing its historical significance, cultural heritage and strategic location to drive tourism, business growth and sustainable industrialisation.
The strategy was launched during the mayoral breakfast event held at Emirates Hotel, attended by several stakeholders, including business people and the banking sector.
In a speech read on his behalf by Ondangwa councillor Nicodemus Amadhila, Ondangwa mayor, Paavo Amwele, said the strategy is not just a policy framework but a roadmap that will guide Ondangwa’s transformation into a hub of opportunity. He described it as "an essential initiative in our local economic development efforts. This marks a pivotal moment in our journey toward a more inclusive and prosperous future."
New direction
Amwele reflected on Ondangwa’s historical role as a transit point for Aawambo contract workers (okaholo), a legacy he said has shaped its cultural identity and offers potential for tourism development.
Although the town’s economy is primarily service-driven, he noted that Ondangwa has the necessary infrastructure to unlock new opportunities. These include the Andimba Toivo ya Toivo Airport, the railway station, oil depots and road connections via the B1 linking the town to Windhoek, Angola, Zambia and Botswana.
“Our vision is to transform Ondangwa into a centre of industrialisation and sustainable development. To realise this vision, the LED and tourism strategy will stimulate business growth, strengthen the local economy, and drive diversification,” Amwele said.
Stronger enterprises
The mayor stressed the role of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which are globally recognised as the backbone of innovation, job creation and economic growth. However, he noted that many MSMEs in Ondangwa struggle due to lack of trading space, limited innovation capacity, and challenges in marketing their products.
“This strategy seeks to change the narrative and shift from business as usual to a model that prioritises inclusive economic growth. Now is the time for the private sector to take the lead – to diversify, innovate and build an economy that is less dependent on government spending,” Amwele said.
He further urged the town to reduce reliance on imported goods by creating local supply chains that produce what communities consume.
“As we launch this strategy, let us remember that the future of Ondangwa is not written by chance. It is shaped by our collective vision, courage, and commitment,” he stressed.
We need you
Ondangwa chief executive officer Ismael Namgongo said a meeting has been scheduled to engage the business sector, which drives the town’s growth.
Namgongo added that the council is also seeking input from residents on the future direction of Ondangwa, noting that with a small leadership team, decisions cannot be made in isolation.
“We cannot successfully drive this town alone. We need direction. We need your input, as the town belongs to all of us. You should have a say in which direction you want Ondangwa to be in the future,” he said.
The initiatives are expected to guide Ondangwa in harnessing its historical significance, cultural heritage and strategic location to drive tourism, business growth and sustainable industrialisation.
The strategy was launched during the mayoral breakfast event held at Emirates Hotel, attended by several stakeholders, including business people and the banking sector.
In a speech read on his behalf by Ondangwa councillor Nicodemus Amadhila, Ondangwa mayor, Paavo Amwele, said the strategy is not just a policy framework but a roadmap that will guide Ondangwa’s transformation into a hub of opportunity. He described it as "an essential initiative in our local economic development efforts. This marks a pivotal moment in our journey toward a more inclusive and prosperous future."
New direction
Amwele reflected on Ondangwa’s historical role as a transit point for Aawambo contract workers (okaholo), a legacy he said has shaped its cultural identity and offers potential for tourism development.
Although the town’s economy is primarily service-driven, he noted that Ondangwa has the necessary infrastructure to unlock new opportunities. These include the Andimba Toivo ya Toivo Airport, the railway station, oil depots and road connections via the B1 linking the town to Windhoek, Angola, Zambia and Botswana.
“Our vision is to transform Ondangwa into a centre of industrialisation and sustainable development. To realise this vision, the LED and tourism strategy will stimulate business growth, strengthen the local economy, and drive diversification,” Amwele said.
Stronger enterprises
The mayor stressed the role of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which are globally recognised as the backbone of innovation, job creation and economic growth. However, he noted that many MSMEs in Ondangwa struggle due to lack of trading space, limited innovation capacity, and challenges in marketing their products.
“This strategy seeks to change the narrative and shift from business as usual to a model that prioritises inclusive economic growth. Now is the time for the private sector to take the lead – to diversify, innovate and build an economy that is less dependent on government spending,” Amwele said.
He further urged the town to reduce reliance on imported goods by creating local supply chains that produce what communities consume.
“As we launch this strategy, let us remember that the future of Ondangwa is not written by chance. It is shaped by our collective vision, courage, and commitment,” he stressed.
We need you
Ondangwa chief executive officer Ismael Namgongo said a meeting has been scheduled to engage the business sector, which drives the town’s growth.
Namgongo added that the council is also seeking input from residents on the future direction of Ondangwa, noting that with a small leadership team, decisions cannot be made in isolation.
“We cannot successfully drive this town alone. We need direction. We need your input, as the town belongs to all of us. You should have a say in which direction you want Ondangwa to be in the future,” he said.
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