MASHONALAND West Province and Kavango East Region of Namibia have revitalised an existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)to open new avenues for collaboration in agriculture, education, health and infrastructure, among other key sectors.
The MoU renewal was penned by Mashonaland West Minister of State of Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Marian Chombo, and Kavango East Regional Chairman, Mr Damian Mahambyayi.
“For Mashonaland West, it means expanding our horizons beyond borders, learning from Kavango East’s innovative approaches to rural development, community engagement, and natural resource management. It allows us to share best practices and collaborate on projects that can uplift our communities and create sustainable employment,” Honourable Chombo said.
For Kavango East, the partnership offers opportunities to explore new markets, attract investments, and benefit from local agricultural expertise.
“More broadly, this partnership fosters regional integration, which is essential for peace, stability, and prosperity in Southern Africa. It demonstrates that our regions are not just entities functioning in isolation but are vibrant constituents of a larger regional community,” Mr Damian Mahambyayi.
Marking a significant milestone, Mashonaland West Show Society Chairperson, Mr Godfrey Mavankeni, revealed this year’s edition is also a celebration of 100 years since the show’s establishment, attracting 133 exhibitors, up from 110 recorded last year.
“This year’s Mashonaland West Agricultural Show is being marked by innovation and renewed farmer engagement. It opened with the launch of a High School Quiz Competition to promote youth interest in agriculture. Day two featured an Agribusiness Conference and Farmers’ Workshop on climate-smart technologies, financing, and market access, alongside judging of exhibition stands.
“The official opening saw the signing or renewal of an MoU with a Namibia delegation gracing all the events. This speaks to growth, where we are focusing on building resilient food systems in the face of climate change, enhancing agricultural value chains, and promoting rural-based industrial development for sustainable national growth,” he said.
With agriculture being a cornerstone of the two provinces’ economies, the MoU signed is set to transform the Mashonaland West Agricultural Show from being a local showcase into a platform for international cooperation and regional development.
