09/11/2026
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GERMAN DISTRICT, EENHANA SEAL DEVELOPMENT MOU
EENHANA – Young people in the Ohangwena Region stand to benefit from potential educational exchanges, vocational training partnerships and joint development initiatives following the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Eenhana Town Council and Germany's Salzlandkreis district on Sunday.
The agreement, signed by Eenhana mayor Omri-Onn Kavandje and Salzlandkreis district administrator Markus Bauer, establishes a framework for cooperation in education, agriculture, sport, infrastructure development, environmental management and public service delivery.
Ohangwena governor Kadiva Hamutumwa and Namibia's honorary consular representative in Germany, Andreas Konietschke, witnessed the signing ceremony.
Bauer identified education as a priority area, emphasising its lasting impact on communities and the importance of creating opportunities for young people from both regions to interact and learn from one another.
"That is why we must start here. Let us bring together young people from your region and from our region," Bauer said.
He said such exchanges would allow young people to experience different cultures, share ideas and develop joint projects that could strengthen relations between Namibia and Germany.
Bauer also extended an invitation to Ohangwena's leadership to visit Salzlandkreis, possibly next year, to explore further opportunities for cooperation.
Hamutumwa welcomed the partnership, revealing that discussions between the two regions began approximately nine months ago through virtual engagements facilitated by Konietschke.
She said the agreement aligns with Namibia's Sixth National Development Plan, particularly its priorities in education, sport, community development and public sector management.
"And from our side, we are saying it will not only be an MOU on paper, it will be an MOU in action and practise. And we will do it working together," Hamutumwa said.
The governor stressed the importance of moving beyond formal agreements towards implementing practical projects that directly improve people's lives.
She further noted that cooperation at regional and local government levels would complement the longstanding bilateral relationship between Namibia and Germany.
Kavandje described the visit as an important foundation for a meaningful twinning partnership, saying cooperation must be informed by a clear understanding of the development priorities, challenges and aspirations of the communities involved.
The German delegation arrived in Ohangwena on Thursday, 5 November, and undertook a series of site visits until Saturday, ahead of Sunday's signing ceremony.
During the visit, the delegation toured educational institutions, vocational training facilities, agricultural projects, sports infrastructure and municipal service facilities across Eenhana, Helao Nafidi and Okongo.
Among the institutions visited were the Eenhana Vocational Training Centre, Usko Nghaama Special School, Sakaria Shikudule Secondary School, Oshela Secondary School and Mawila Primary School.
The delegation also inspected water and sanitation infrastructure, the NIDA warehouses in Oshikango, border facilities and agricultural projects in the Okongo area.
Kavandje highlighted technical and vocational education, educational exchanges, curriculum development, water resource management and infrastructure maintenance as promising areas for future cooperation.
He said the engagement had demonstrated both the development opportunities available in Eenhana and the areas where technical expertise and institutional partnerships could strengthen service delivery.
Under the agreement, the Office of the Ohangwena Governor will coordinate regional implementation, while Eenhana Town Council will facilitate local initiatives and stakeholder participation.
The MoU provides for regular monitoring and evaluation of progress, although projects requiring financial commitments will be subject to separate agreements.
The partnership is expected to pave the way for practical cooperation between institutions and communities in Ohangwena and Salzlandkreis, with education and youth development emerging as key priorities.
