Peanut processing plant planned for Omaheke
The Omaheke Region is exploring plans to establish a peanut processing plant as part of efforts to expand agro-industrial development, create jobs and add value to one of the region’s key agricultural products.
The proposal was announced by Omaheke Governor Pijoo Nganate during his State of the Region Address on Monday, in which he outlined plans to unlock the region’s industrial potential through manufacturing and mining.
Nganate said the proposed facility would process locally produced peanuts into products such as peanut butter, cooking oil and other peanut-based goods, reducing reliance on the export of raw produce while creating opportunities for local value addition.
The proposal follows discussions held during Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare’s visit to the region in May, when the feasibility of establishing a regional peanut processing plant was explored.
According to Nganate, the growing number of peanut producers in Omaheke presents an opportunity to develop an agro-processing industry capable of creating employment and stimulating economic growth.
“There is an immediate opportunity for industrial agro-processing and local value addition,” Nganate said.
He added that the Office of the Governor is engaging strategic partners to identify a suitable site for the facility, while discussions are under way with potential donors to secure funding for the project.
Nganate said the initiative supports the theme of this year’s State of the Region Address, “Unlocking Omaheke’s industrial potential through manufacturing and mining”, which aims to move the region away from exporting raw commodities towards greater local processing.
He said strengthening manufacturing would complement Omaheke’s agricultural sector by creating new markets for farmers, increasing the value of agricultural output and retaining more economic benefits within the region.
The governor also highlighted plans to use land to replicate the successful Otjombinde Community Garden Project while supporting groundnut production to supply a planned government peanut butter processing facility in Otjinene.
The initiative is expected to increase local agricultural production, create employment opportunities and contribute to food security across the region.
If realised, the facility would become one of Omaheke’s first major agro-processing projects and support the government’s broader drive to promote value addition as a catalyst for economic development and food security.
