The Agricultural Bank of Namibia (Agribank) today opened an office which will serve the northern regions of Oshana, Oshikoto, Ohangwena, Omusati and Kunene north.
Previously Agribank operated from an office in Oshakati, but the office has now relocated to Ongwediva and now it is given the full mandate to serve the whole northern areas of Namibia, and thus it has rebranded and will now be called the Agribank Northern Branch.
Speaking at the official opening, Agribank’s CEO Dr. Raphael Karuaihe said that the decision to relocate to Ongwediva and rebrand the office was driven by a vision to increase efficiency.
“This day marks a significant milestone in our commitment to serve our country,” Dr Karuaihe said.
“Agribank specialises in funding the entire agricultural value chain.”
Dr. Karuaihe also noted that during this financial year Agribank has given out loans amounting to N$22,8 million to the northern regions. “Out of this, a total of N$6,9 million was given to Oshana region alone.”
Oshana Governor Mr Elia Irimari thanked Dr. Karuaihe and his team for making the decision to rebrand the Oshakati branch and make it a brand-new branch operating from Ongwediva serving not only Oshana but the whole northern part of the country.
“This is a wonderful event, an event truly inspiring and empowering to those in the agricultural sector,” Irimari said.
“We are here to celebrate not only the opening of a new and rebranded branch, but to celebrate the critical role Agribank plays in our rural economy.”
Irimari pointed out that animal husbandry is the agricultural niche of Oshana region. “If you go south of Oshakati, all the way to Ombuga area, you will find that all cattle from Ohangwena and Kunene are grazing there.
“And Kunene, we want you to reclaim your position as the capital area of cattle, the way you were in the 80s, 70s, and 60s. What went wrong?
“Thus this regional hub we are opening today here will provide much needed funds for agricultural entrepreneurs in the northern regions.”
Also present at the event were various stakeholders in the agricultural sector, such as representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, representatives from Agro Marketing and Trading Agency (AMTA), Namibian Agronomic Board (NAB) and representatives of farmers associations, as well as representatives from the regional governor offices of Ohangwena, and Omusati.
In the photo: Governor Irimari, and Dr Karuaihe, cutting the ribbon signifying the official start of business for Agribank in Ongwediva. Looking on is Ms Etuhole Ingo who is the branch manager for this northern branch.
