Fifteen Kunene residents were trained in beekeeping, where they were introduced to modern beekeeping practices and techniques for sustainable honey production.

The training was made possible by the Office of the Kunene Governor, where participants underwent a three-day training programme in Opuwo aimed at empowering them with practical skills in honey production and entrepreneurship.

The programme also included financial literacy training to equip participants with the knowledge needed to manage finances and run successful honey production businesses.

"It is not charity. "What is going to happen is the money that we ploughed into them; as they are making that money, it is the very same money that we are going to use to empower a further 15, until we reach our goal of 200 and see how this region is going to become the epitome of bee honey production not only in Namibia but also in Africa," says Kunene Governor, Vipuakuje Muharukua.

The broader initiative aims at promoting self-employment and sustainable livelihoods through beekeeping.

Senior Private Secretary for the Kunene Governor, Alpha Uzera, adds, "Because I have always been really interested in prospects of income generation, I think the governor has been very vocal about everything that comes to our office or any engagement that happens with the governor. There, you would find that he will always want to speak about employment."

The programme was facilitated by Agra ProVision, represented by Christo Brisley, who provided both theoretical and practical instruction on beekeeping and honey production.

"Beekeeping offers a huge opportunity to start your own business, earn an income and help with the food security in Namibia since you increase your produce, and there are byproducts like honey and wax also that you can use, but the biggest thing is the increase in horticulture."

Brisley added that Namibia has the potential to thrive in beekeeping, as anywhere where water can be found, bees would find the food by themselves.

Participants were also provided with training manuals, safety gear, and the necessary beekeeping equipment to support their learning and future honey production activities.