In northeastern Namibia, within the core of the Bwabwata National Park, lies two of the most strategically located, yet under-leveraged community conservation zones: Kwandu Conservancy and Community Forest and Mayuni Conservancy.
As ecological and socio-economic assets within the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA), these conservancies have the potential to drive inclusive rural development, strengthen conservation outcomes and deliver meaningful economic transformation for the people of the Kongola constituency and the broader Zambezi region.
The Heart of KAZA’s Wetland and Wildlife Corridor, positioned along the biologically rich Kwando River, Kwandu and Mayuni conservancies form a vital part of Namibia’s wetland system and an essential link in the regional wildlife migration network.
This landscape is a key ecological artery within the KAZA corridor, facilitating transboundary wildlife movement across Namibia, Botswana, Angola and Zambia.
Their role in cross-border conservation elevates their strategic importance.
To fully realise their potential, targeted investments in wildlife water infrastructure, anti-poaching systems and corridor rehabilitation are required.
These interventions not only mitigate Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC) and Wildlife Crime (WC) but also align with the mandates of key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT), IRDNC and global development partners, such as the Global Environment Fund (GEF).
Tourism and nature-based enterprise as catalysts for economic growth tourism is already a primary source of income in the region.
It is supported by photographic tourism, hunting concessions and eco-tourism ventures.
Yet, the economic potential of this sector remains significantly underdeveloped.
With thriving populations of elephants, buffalo, lions and aquatic species like hippos and crocodiles, Kwandu and Mayuni are premier eco-tourism destinations within the KAZA landscape.
Unlocking this potential requires investment in tourism infrastructure, hospitality training, marketing and enterprise development in the conservancies.
With adequate support, these conservancies can evolve into models of conservation-led development, creating sustainable livelihoods and strengthening community ownership of natural resources.
A Strategic case for investment and development after nearly two decades of underperformance, Kwandu and Mayuni conservancies are at a critical inflection point.
Strategic capital injections, particularly through grant funding and public-private partnerships, could unlock significant revenue streams from lodges, trophy hunting, campsites, conservation levies and joint ventures.
These revenues do more than generate jobs.
They fund essential services, including education, water infrastructure, healthcare and HWC-WC mitigation programmes, laying the groundwork for improved quality of life and regional stability.
A well-capitalised conservancy model in Kongola can serve as a launchpad for broader regional development.
This includes accelerating the long-anticipated proclamation of Kongola as a village council, currently hampered by limited service infrastructure.
Strengthened conservancies could catalyse demand for banking, telecom, retail and fuel services, enabling the constituency to function as a rural growth hub within the Zambezi region.
Investing in Kwandu and Mayuni conservancies is not merely a conservation intervention.
It is a high-return, strategic investment in Namibia’s rural development agenda.
These conservancies are positioned to be powerful engines of socio-economic transformation, ecological resilience and regional integration within the KAZA TFCA.
By mobilising the right partners and resources, Namibia can unlock the full value of Kwandu and Mayuni – not just as protected areas, but as dynamic platforms for community empowerment, conservation finance and sustainable rural growth.