REPUBLIC OF NAMIBIA

OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR OSHANA REGION

INAUGURATION SPEECH

BY

HON. ELIA KAULIEWANGALI IRIMARI THE REGIONAL GOVERNOR OF OSHANA REGION

AT THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF KAAP AGRI, ONDANGWA

Date: 26th April 2019 Venue: Ondangwa Time: 08h30

1 | Page - Director of proceedings, - Hon. Paavo Amwele, his Worship the Mayor of Ondangwa - All Honourable Regional and Local Authority Councillors present - All Honourable Regional and Local Authority Councillors present - Mr. Thomas Indji, Chairperson of NCCI – Northern Branch - Mr. Werner Kruger, General Manager of Kaap Agri - The Executive Management of Kaap Agri, - The Chief Executive Officer of Ondangwa Town Council, Mr. Ismael Namgongo - Members of the Business Community - Partners, Suppliers and Clients of Kaap Agri - Esteemed Community and Spiritual Leaders present - Distinguished Invited Guests - Members of the Medias Present - Ladies and Gentlemen

Good Morning

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It is with great pleasure and great privilege to officiate and to witness the official opening of the new branch of KAAP AGRI Expressmark in Ondangwa Town. This is indeed a historic and important event on the business calendar of Oshana Region.

First and most, I wish to express my sincere appreciation and gratitude to the Management of KAAP AGRI for deciding to open an expressmark which comprises of a fuel station and a convenience store in Ondangwa Town in Oshana Region.

The Government of the Republic of Namibia has created a conducive environment for both local and international investors to invest in the Namibian economy in order to development the country in terms expanding our industrial capacity as well as creating new jobs, and eradicating poverty in our society.

Therefore as a region, Oshana welcomes this noble investment and still has more to offer in terms of business opportunities to the investors who wish to

3 | Page establish their respective businesses in our three towns of Oshakati, Ongwediva and Ondangwa. I am therefore appealing to the management of KAAP AGRI to feel comfortable in exploring additional areas of possible investments, skills transfer and joint ventures so that we tackle the issues of unemployment and equally empower our young Namibians with skills to participate in the management of such investments at various levels.

As a region, we will continue to support enterprises that contribute towards Local Economic Development and thereby contributing to job creation and skills transfer in the region. However, the benefits of the retail sector are only optimal and sustainable when the goods and services being consumed are locally produced in Namibia. With the current situation where most of the goods and services are sourced from outside the country, the balance of payment will continue to widen in the deficit. It also enables the creation of jobs elsewhere and not for our own citizenry. Therefore, it is for this reason that I cordially request KAAP AGRI and all prominent retail sector investors in Oshana Region to add value to locally

4 | Page produced products and support local producers in bringing their products to the markets.

It is equally imperative to have an investors who does not only provide affordable commodities, but also carries a commitment towards the welfare of the employees. Hence, I am encouraging KAAP AGRI to continue developing and investing in our human resources.

There is no doubt that your store will contribute significantly towards our national goals as highlighted in Vision 2030, National 5th Development Plan [NDP 5] and the HARAMBEE Prosperity Plan. We call for innovation, determination and commitment from investors in fulfilling the crucial role within the supply chain to supply the right quality and quantity of products and services as required by the consumers at all times.

In conclusion, let me once again thank KAAP AGRI Management for the great investment in Oshana Region. I urge you to continue addressing the socio- economic challenges faced by the local communities across its value chain.

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With these remarks, it’s now my honor to declare the KAAP AGRI EXPRESSMARK ONDANGWA officially opened to the public. I thank you!!!

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