Introduction

Chapter 12 of the Namibian Constitution, under article 102 (1) and the Regional Council Act, 1992 (Act 22 of 1992) mandates Regional Councils to plan and spearhead the course of Regional development. Zambezi Region in particular spearheads regional developments in eight (8) constituencies. Hence, it is extremely important to profile a regions’ cooperative and comparative advantages in order to fully explore regional economic potential that addresses regional challenges.

Background

Profiles unearths regional development potential and informs politicians, economist, planners, environmentalist and decision makers on the areas of concentration for each region and redirect the regional development potential that could improve the well-being of people and reduce the poverty level, without compromising the utilization of the same resources by the future generation. Infrastructure and economic development receive greater attention because they are lubricating to development and most economic problems at hand are closely associated with people’s livelihood. The profile also spells out the region’s natural resources, economic and public administration.

Generally, Zambezi is an agriculture, fishing and tourism attraction area, with the majority of the region’s population living in rural areas and driving their livelihood from those sectors. The construction and completion of the Trans-Caprivi Highway and Zambezi and Ngoma Bridges have opened trade and turned Katima Mulilo Town into booming and stopover town within the heart of the SADC region, emphasizing on its strategic location and Katima Mulilo town’s economic influence on the hinterland of the neighboring countries. Rational of regional profile.

Objectives

• To serve as a guideline to decision and policy makers.
• It is a source of information for donor community, civil society and potential investors.
• To assist in budget allocation while understanding the challenges facing such a sector.
• Identify and spell out Socio- economic development challenges facing the region.

Location and size of the region

Zambezi region is situated in the north-eastern part of Namibia. Zambezi region is strategic located within the SADC regional context.The region covers a total area of 19,532 km2, in a country of 825,118 km2 and accounts for only 1.8 per cent of the total land area of the country. The region is divided into eight constituencies and shares borders with four countries and is surrounded by rivers. These river systems form the basis of fauna and flora endowment that makes the region to be different from the rest of the country. Katima Mulilo Town is the seat of the Regional Council and the only town in Zambezi Region. The region has an economic influence over its hinterland and that of the neighboring countries. No shopping center within a 70 KM radius from the border. It has a geo-political influence.