Staff Reporter
KATIMA Mulilo could become home to a state-of-the-art Agro-Processing Plant in the future, with the potential to strengthen local supply chains, enhance value addition of mangoes and indigenous resources, and reduce post-harvest losses.
This was highlighted by the Katima Mulilo Town Council, which announced that a high-level delegation from the University of Namibia (UNAM) recently engaged with the council’s Management Committee to discuss the acquisition of additional land for the planned project at the UNAM Katima Mulilo Campus.
According to the Katima Mulilo Town Council, the proposed N$26 million project is expected to significantly transform the agricultural landscape of the Zambezi Region by promoting the commercialisation of fruit processing and value addition.
“The facility will primarily focus on adding value to locally grown mangoes and indigenous resources, significantly reducing post-harvest losses while increasing the value of local produce. The team noted that securing the requested land expansion is the critical next step required to transition the project from its successful pilot phase to full-scale commercial construction,” the council explained.
Katima Mulilo Mayor Kabende Kabende described the initiative as an important step towards strengthening regional industrialisation and improving food security.
Both UNAM and the Town Council reaffirmed their commitment to expediting technical and administrative processes related to plot allocation, zoning requirements and service infrastructure.
The council further expressed its support for a shared vision of regional development, highlighting the project’s potential to generate employment opportunities, equip young people with manufacturing skills, and establish Katima Mulilo as a centre for agro-processing.
“The project, which is expected to drive economic growth and strengthen local supply chains, aims to create a robust value chain through which UNAM is actively partnering with local agricultural stakeholders, including the Zambezi Mango Farmers Association (ZAMFA), to ensure a consistent supply of raw materials directly from local farmers, keeping economic benefits within the community,” the town council added.
Photo: Katima Mulilo Town Council
