Erongo economy recovers, grows

Erongo governor Neville Andre says the region’s economy has seen robust recovery and growth in the past year.

Speaking during his state of the region address recently, Andre said the growth was supported by the resilience of various sectors and substantial infrastructure projects.

“We are delivering a clear difference for our residents now, not plans or platitudes, but recognisable, tangible action,” said Andre, while highlighting the growth trajectory of the region’s economic landscape.

The governor reported a significant recovery in the local tourism industry, with hotel occupancy rates rising from 38% in May 2022 to over 50% in April 2023.

“This growth showcases the success of our significant investments in the sector,” he said.

In the agricultural sector, Andre said a modest recovery following an eight-year-long drought was recorded.

“The intervention includes livestock marketing incentives, subsidies for the transportation of livestock to and from grazing areas, and subsidies for the lease of grazing. These initiatives have contributed to the recent rebound in the agricultural sector,” he said.

Although the fishing industry contributes roughly N$10 billion in export sales and shows promise, Andre cautioned that “while we anticipate growth leading to increased employment, we must understand that stock rebuilding is a long-term process”.

Shifting the focus to mining, Andre applauded the extension of Rössing Uranium Mine’s operations until 2036, and the anticipated production increase from Swakop Uranium’s Husab Mine.

He also noted that Navachab Gold Mine has invested over N$2 billion to expand its mining and processing operations.
“This, coupled with the community contributions from various mining companies, is a testament to the sector’s vitality,” he noted.

Commenting on infrastructure, Andre celebrated the completion of the Walvis Bay-Kranzberg railway, which he said will “significantly improve the efficiency and capacity of the country’s railway network, supporting the transport of both goods and people”.

Addressing water security, the governor reported significant progress on the Central Coast Desalination Plant project, expressing optimism for its future impact.

“I am also happy that the water ministry is hard at work to make this massive development project a reality in the shortest possible time… It will benefit various industries and address the water challenges we are facing,” he said.