OSHIKANGO – Life is returning to Oshikango, the Helao Nafidi’s settlement that was on the verge of becoming a ghost town. After years of slow business, the streets are busy once more, with traders, shop owners and street vendors selling goods to eager customers.

Situated near the Angola border, Oshikango is again teeming with activity.

Families who once struggled to earn a living are now able to support themselves. Shoppers enjoy low prices, vendors see more customers, and the town is buzzing with renewed energy. Every corner offers something to sell. On the streets, vendors display clothes, fruits, vegetables and household items, while customers, including visitors crossing from Angola, move from stall to stall in search of good deals.

Mayor of Helao Nafidi Darius Shaalukeni said the local economy is showing clear signs of recovery. “The businesses are doing better compared to the past years when everything was bad. Oshikango’s economy is picking up again,” he said.

Oshikango councillor Easter Ndatala explained the challenges of the past. “In previous years, Oshikango relied too much on Angolans, who depended on the American dollar. When the dollar dropped in value, it destroyed the economy, and many people suffered. Covid-19 closed even more shops. But today, with only the Namibian dollars, business is doing well,” she said.

Street vendor Selma Iipinge, who sells second-hand clothes, said business is finally profitable again.

“During Covid-19, things were very bad. People had no money to buy, and shops were closed. I stopped selling. But now, customers are back, and I go home with profit every day,” she said.

Vegetable vendor Petrus Nambala echoed her sentiments.

“I sometimes finish selling everything before lunchtime. That did not happen in the past years. Angolan buyers are also coming again. It helps us a lot,” he said. Small shop owner Maria Shapua recalled the town’s former prosperity.

“In the past, this town made a lot of money because Angolan buyers used the American dollar. When the Kwanza lost value, many shops closed, and people lost jobs,” she said. Household goods seller Lukas Iiyambo is optimistic about the future. “Before, I made very little, but now I sell every day. People know Oshikango has good and cheap products, so they come here to buy,” he said.

“I am satisfied with what I take home every day,” he added. – vkaapanda@nepc.com.na