Council and Japanese Embassy Hold Consultative Talks

 

The Omaheke Regional Council and the Embassy of Japan in Namibia on Tuesday, 15 September 2026, held a consultative discussion to explore potential areas where Japan could assist the region in various areas.

The discussion was largely cantered on briefing the Embassy on Omaheke's socio-economic situation.

Council delegation, led by Chairperson Honourable Rocco Nguvauva, spoke about the region being sustained by livestock farming, its reputation for the best beef in the country, and the need to build drought resilience.

Honourable Nguvauva noted that the region could benefit from learning about drought resilience from Japan in light of the looming El Niño.

Other issues discussed included the availability of land for potential investments in agricultural programmes and value addition to local products, fodder production, housing and sanitation for local communities through Public-Private Partnerships, dry ports and logistics hubs, and the need for technical expertise for technical and vocational education and training (TVET).

Ambassador Asazuma Shinichi used the meeting to outline Japan's existing areas of engagement in Namibia, including sending school teachers to Japan, health, infrastructure and facilitation of private Japanese companies investing in Namibia.

He further highlighted the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) through which the Japanese government provides economic and social assistance to developing countries. He advised Council to submit proposals for funding through JICA or the National Planning Commission, which collects regional development inputs.

He mentioned that support in agriculture, water and sanitation is generally considered. Small-scale equipment support exists, and that funds for assistance are also disbursed through United Nations agencies such as UNICEF. JICA can also provide volunteer experts to provide technical support to TVET institutions upon request.

Ambassador Shinichi also acknowledged Council's reference to logistics hub opportunities.

Matsukuma Shunsuke, responsible for economic and development cooperation at the Embassy, indicated that although the Embassy does not have a direct scheme to support the region, he encouraged the Council to submit applications for the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects. This grant supports small-scale construction projects.

The meeting concluded with the Chairperson inviting the Ambassador to visit Omaheke to familiarise himself with the context discussed.