Minister Ashipala-Musavyi Highlights Women’s Cooperative as Model for Manufacturing Growth in Northern Namibia

Minister Ashipala-Musavyi Highlights Women’s Cooperative as Model for Manufacturing Growth in Northern Namibia. During her regional business engagements in northern Namibia, Honourable Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, Minister of International Relations and Trade, visited a women’s cooperative in Onenongo village, Okatana constituency, on Saturday, 1 November 2025. The visit was part of her efforts to engage with local enterprises and promote economic development through trade and manufacturing.

Accompanied by Honourable Hofni Iipinge, Governor of the Oshana Region, Minister Ashipala-Musavyi toured the cooperative, which specializes in the manufacturing of clay pots. The cooperative has benefited from government support, including the construction and maintenance of a dedicated facility where members can produce and sell their products.

The Minister commended the women for their entrepreneurial spirit, emphasising the cooperative as a model for growth in the country’s manufacturing sector. She highlighted that such initiatives are essential for expanding opportunities in domestic production and for leveraging regional and international trade frameworks, including the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement.

“This cooperative demonstrates the impact of local enterprise on economic development. I encourage women across the northern regions to emulate this model, as manufacturing industries are key to creating jobs, promoting trade, and driving sustainable growth,” Minister Ashipala-Musavyi said during the visit.

The engagement reflects the Namibian government’s ongoing efforts to support small-scale manufacturing and women-led enterprises as part of broader economic development strategies. By showcasing the Onenongo cooperative, the Ministry aims to inspire other women entrepreneurs to explore manufacturing opportunities and position themselves for benefits under trade agreements and development initiatives.

The visit also reinforced the importance of partnerships between government and local enterprises in fostering inclusive economic growth, empowering women, and strengthening Namibia’s participation in regional trade networks.