Nandi-Ndaitwah Calls for Local Trade and Investment as Helao Nafidi Welcomes New Shopping Complex
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called on businesses operating in Helao Nafidi to strengthen their support for local producers as the border town seeks to reclaim its position as a major centre of commerce and regional trade.
The President made the call during the inauguration of the Ohangwena Times Square Shopping Complex in Helao Nafidi, where she described the town as an important border community and a symbol of resilience, opportunity and nation-building.
She said Helao Nafidi had previously established itself as one of Namibia’s vibrant and rapidly developing towns, but its economic momentum was disrupted by the global economic recession and the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to Nandi-Ndaitwah, economic activity is now showing signs of recovery, creating an opportunity for Helao Nafidi to strengthen its role as a gateway for trade, investment and regional economic integration.
She welcomed the establishment of the shopping complex, saying the investment could contribute to the economic development of Helao Nafidi, the wider Ohangwena Region and Namibia.
The President commended Ohangwena Times Square CC for committing resources to the development of the town and urged the business to ensure that the facility creates opportunities beyond retail and commercial activities.
In particular, she called for locally produced goods, including fresh agricultural produce, to be given space within the complex.
“Creating markets for local producers is essential to growing our economy and creating employment,” the President said, while reaffirming government’s commitment to creating conditions in which the private sector can expand and invest.
Nandi-Ndaitwah said the development also demonstrated investor confidence in Namibia’s peace and stability.
She encouraged both domestic and international investors to consider opportunities in Ohangwena and other parts of the country.
She said investments should, however, go beyond capital injection and focus on creating sustainable employment, developing skills, transferring technology, strengthening local enterprises and building Namibia’s productive capacity.
The strategic location of Helao Nafidi, situated along Namibia’s border with Angola, was highlighted as another major advantage.
The President said the town has the potential to serve as a stronger commercial link between Namibian businesses and the Angolan market, with the new shopping complex potentially becoming part of that broader economic connection.
She also placed agriculture at the centre of the development agenda, reiterating that it remains Namibia’s number one national priority.
Nandi-Ndaitwah raised concern over the loss of locally produced food due to inadequate access to reliable markets.
She therefore urged businesses at the complex to establish off-take agreements with farmers to create predictable markets for agricultural products.
She said purchasing directly from local farmers could help reduce food wastage, strengthen food security and provide producers with the confidence to increase production.
The President said the benefits of the development should ultimately be felt by ordinary residents of Helao Nafidi.
She noted that the shopping complex is expected to reduce the need for residents to travel long distances to access goods and services, while also easing pressure on shopping facilities in Oshikango and surrounding areas during busy periods.
Nandi-Ndaitwah further praised the cooperation between the local community, the Helao Nafidi Town Council and the developer, saying such partnerships are important for sustainable urban development.
At the same time, she cautioned that economic and infrastructure development must be accompanied by social and environmental responsibility.
The President also used the occasion to address labour practices in the region, expressing concern over reports of some wholesale and retail businesses failing to comply with labour laws.
She urged employers to respect the rights of workers and comply fully with the Labour Act, including provisions relating to wages, salaries, benefits, minimum wage requirements and workplace safety.
Nandi-Ndaitwah stressed that economic growth should not come at the expense of workers’ welfare, saying businesses have a responsibility to provide safe and decent working environments.
The inauguration of the Ohangwena Times Square Shopping Complex therefore comes at a time when Helao Nafidi is seeking to strengthen its economic position and take advantage of its proximity to the Angolan market.
For the President, the development represents more than a new commercial facility.
It is an opportunity to deepen local economic participation, connect producers with consumers, attract investment and position Helao Nafidi as a stronger hub for trade between Namibia and its northern neighbour.
She called on the community, businesses and local authorities to work together to ensure that the investment contributes meaningfully to the long-term development of the town while promoting patriotism, local enterprise and inclusive economic growth.
