The northern town of Otavi is positioning itself for a new phase of economic expansion, with plans for fully serviced suburbs, a university satellite campus and renewed cooperation with the mining sector expected to inject fresh momentum into the town’s economy.
According to the acting chief executive officer of the Otavi Town Council, Heita Shikeenga, the town is entering a period of renewed development under a newly elected council that has been in office since November 2025.
Shikeenga, who also serves as the council’s manager for finance, IT and asset management, said the municipality is actively working with six newly appointed councillors to stimulate business activity and reposition Otavi as a strategic investment destination.
In anticipation of this growth, the council is intensifying efforts to market Otavi as a business-friendly destination. Plans are underway to host a mini-expo towards the end of July, alongside a business conference aimed at attracting investors and strengthening partnerships with the private sector.
“At our upcoming business meeting, we aim to share the council’s overall strategy for business development with interested private sector players,” said Shikeenga.
With mining, agriculture, education and emerging industrial opportunities converging, Otavi’s leadership believes the town is well positioned to become one of northern Namibia’s key regional growth centres.
Situated at the entrance to Namibia’s Maize Triangle, Otavi has long played an important role in the country’s agricultural economy. However, the town is now looking beyond its traditional base to diversify economic opportunities and attract new industries.
“We have approached different institutions to assist us with business development initiatives in the town,” said Shikeenga.
Among the opportunities currently being explored are manufacturing ventures and biomass operations that would leverage the surrounding environment and agricultural activity in the region. The initiatives form part of broader efforts to unlock crucial investment and create much-needed employment opportunities for local residents.
At present, much of Otavi’s meagre economic activity is supported by the nearby Namibian Defence Force base, grain silos operated by Namib Mills, and residual business generated by mining and industrial operations such as B2Gold and Ohorongo Cement.
The town has also benefited from a recycling initiative backed by B2Gold in partnership with Rent- A-Drum. According to Shikeenga, the recycling plant is not only helping to keep Otavi clean but is also generating supplementary income for many local residents.
“We are looking at a new Memorandum of Understanding with B2Gold, and these discussions are at an advanced stage,” he said.
Mining-related development has already had a visible impact on the town’s residential expansion plans. Shikeenga explained that Otavi’s Extension 4 was intentionally developed as a higher-income residential area to attract mining employees. The council also allocated land to B2Gold, where housing has already been constructed for mine workers.
Another major boost for the town is expected from the Namibia University of Science and Technology, following the institution’s decision to relocate its Agricultural Satellite Campus from Rietfontein to Otavi.
The move is anticipated to increase student and staff activity in the town while supporting agricultural research and skills development in one of the country’s most important farming regions.
-ebrandt@nepc.com.na