Agribank inaugurated its newly relocated regional office in Katima Mulilo on Friday to improve its client experience and ensure a conducive working environment for staff when servicing farmers and potential farmers in the Zambezi region. 
Though the Bank has been operational for some years in the town, the new office elevates the Bank’s visibility and accessibility to clients as well as other stakeholders. 

In his speech that was read on his behalf by Peter Mwala, Zambezi Governor Lawrence Sampofu said the opening of the new Agribank office in Katima Mulilo is a welcome expression of the trust and confidence that Agribank has seen the economic potential of the town and the region at large. 

Sampofu, therefore, urged the residents of the Zambezi region, particularly women and youth, to make use of the office and utilise the services that are brought at their doorsteps. 
“I am pleased to learn that Agribank has recently introduced the women and youth scheme with relaxed conditions. It is my hope that more young people and women from this region will take advantage of this scheme and become producers of note. The Zambezi region is endowed with sufficient fertile land and water and if you add productive youth and women to this equation; we can make our region the breadbasket of our country,” Sampofu said 

On his part, Agribank CEO Sakaria Nghikembua highlighted the Bank embarked on a transformation journey a few years ago that encompasses the transparency, excellent corporate governance, employee development as well as socio-economic transformation.
“We are the best governed state-owned enterprise in Namibia; I can go on record and say that. We have very good record of risk management approaches and systems, strong internal controls, and we comply with procurement policies of government – and that is very important to us. If the institution is properly governed, then the sustainability is ensured,” he said. 

Meanwhile, Agribank’s chairperson Michael Iyambo expressed gratitude on the Bank’s interventions in the region, which includes agri-advisory services and trainings that saw 682 farmers benefiting in the region. 
Iyambo appealed to the local staff to continue rendering superior customer service, ensure accountability and extend professional courtesy to all stakeholders. 

“If we live by these values, I am sure we will cement our position as the leading public enterprise in service delivery in Namibia while fulfilling our notable mandate in making a developmental impact,” he concluded. 
The inauguration ceremony was attended by the acting governor of the Zambezi region, Peter Mwala; Katima Mulilo Mayor Charles Matengu; Agribank board chairperson and senior management, as well as other stakeholders in the region.