CELEBRATING 2019_low res...Celebrating 29 Years of Economic Transformation EDITORIAL W elcome to the 5th edition of our growing publication, Invest Namibia Journal (INJ), as we celebrate

INVEST NAMIBIA JOURNAL VOLUME 2 | ISSUE 1 | MARCH 20191

INVESTNAMIBIA JOURNAL

VOLUME 2 | ISSUE 1 Enhancing Investment to propel “Growth at Home” MARCH 2019

20Walvis Bay Port ready to metamorphose into SADC gateway

President Geingob rallies Cabinet on Investment Promotion

PolyCare technology boost for low-cost housing

U.S. market warms up to Namibian beef

14 87

OF ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION

CELEBRATING291990 - 2019



CONTENTS

The Invest Namibia Journal is published by The Namibia Investment Centre

Ministry of Industrialisation, Trade and SMEDevelopment, Windhoek, Namibia,

Private Bag 13340 , Telephone: +264 61 283 7315Fax: +264 61 220 278

Email: [email protected]

The Invest Namibia Journal is produced byGlobe Communications Namibia cc,

Unit 9 Tal Terrace, Windhoek,P.O. Box 99113, Windhoek, Namibia

Telephone: +264 61 247086Cell: +264 81 626 0010


PublisherNamibia Investment Centre

EditorTunga Mboti

Editorial CommitteeDolly AmoomoTunga MbotiLwaba JarioTokkie NchindoAndreas AndjeneTabby Moyo

Editorial ContributorsNIC, DBN, James Miller, Ngoni Bopoto, Edith de Klerk and Tabby Moyo

Graphic Design & LayoutGlobe Communications Namibia

Advertising Globe Communications Namibia

DistributionNamibia Investment Centre

PrintersPhoenix Welwitschia

Editorial: Celebrating 29 Years of Economic Transformation………...........………. 4

Ambassador Katjiuanjo is new Executive Director at MITSMED......................................... 5

President urges Cabinet support for Investment Promotion................................................ 7

American consumers warm up to Namibian beef.................................................................. 8-9

SADC to focus on innovation driven economy – Chair................................................... 10-11

Namibia-Kenya Business Forum to boost partnerships……................………….12-13

PolyCare technology to help ease housing backlog........................................................ 14-15

Minister Tweya hails Export Processing Zone companies…………..................…….17

Minister Alweendo urges investment in mining exploration.................................... 18-19

Walvis Bay Port ready to metamorphose into SADC’s Gateway..................................20-21

SADC pushes industrialisation agenda..................................................................................... 22-23

Orange River Irrigation Project seeks private partners........................................................... 24

TransKalahari Railway Project inches closer................................................................................... 25

India to boost economic ties with Namibia........................................................................... 26-27

Chinese companies step up investments in Namibia...................................................... 30-31

Scalability a key to manufacturing success – DBN CEO................................................. 32-33

GIPF primes digital transformation and innovation.......................................................... 34-35

Namibia’s Eco-Sanitary enters reusable pads market...................................................... 36-37

Fabupharm bolsters pharmaceutical manufacturing..................................................... 38-39

Retail Charter pushes consumption of Namibian products……............……….40-41

Developing Namibia brick by brick............................................................................................ 42-43

Pick n Pay Namibia launches online service........................................................................... 46-47

Desert Fruit Namibia scoops UAE Khalifa Award....................................................................... 48

Air Namibia teams up with KwaZulu-Natal to promote tourism..................................... 49

Namibia Breweries invests in new depot at Walvis Bay.................................................... 50-51

Pick n Pay strides towards environmental friendliness................................................... 52-53

MITSMED strategic planning workshop revisits Vision 2030.............................................. 55

MITSMED Departmental briefs and contacts……………….......................…………56

Commercial Counsellors contact details......................................................................................... 57

The Namibian mining sector generated N$23 billion in the 2017/2018 financial year

Celebrating 29 Years of Namibia’s Economic

Transformation Agenda


Celebrating 29 Years of Economic Transformation

EDITORIAL

Welcome to the 5th edition of our growing publication, Invest Namibia Journal (INJ),

as we celebrate our 29th Independence Anniversary.

We join the Namibian Nation in celebrating the milestones that have been achieved in the last 29 years to promote investment and grow the country’s economy. We remain committed in our efforts to continuously showcase investment and trade opportunities in our country as we strive towards economic independence.

As our President H.E Dr Hage G Geingob stated,

our journey towards economic emancipation

is still in its infancy.Hence, Governments’ intensified trade and

investment pro-motion missions, coupled with

the Growth at Home agenda, remain key in ensuring that we meet the development goals

set out in Namibia’s National Development

Plans, Vision 2030 and the Harambee

Prosperity Plan.

This Publication will continue to highlight the key areas for investment and trade in Namibia in line with H.E. President Geingob’s call for concerted and sustained efforts towards promoting investment and trade activities. To support this agenda we plan to increase our reach by increasing our print run for the INJ and distributing the publication to a wider network of potential investors within the borders of Namibia and abroad. To achieve this, we will count on the support of corporate Namibia and our development partners.

In this 5th installment of our Journal, we highlight the President’s call for the entire Cabinet team to work towards promoting trade and investment in Namibia, by making time to engage with local and foreign business people who have plans to invest in the country.

We bring you an update on efforts to grow our international meat market with exciting

news that Namibia is set to become the first African country to export beef to the United States of America after Meatco’s meat sample products sent to that country were well received. This is yet another milestone for Namibia worth celebrating.

The mining sector is one of the country’s key sectors contributing billions of Namibia dollars to the economy. Mines and Energy Minister, Hon. Tom Alweendo wants the country’s mining sector to invest in geological mapping, so that Namibia can be better represented in the mineral resources sector. Read about this plea inside.

The INJ also showcases one of the success stories of the 2016 Invest in Namibia Conference, PolyCare Research Technologies, a partnership between German and Namibian investors which has been officially launched and hopes to make a mark on Namibia’s affordable housing market. The pioneering innovative technology by PolyCare will revolutionise the local housing market.We highlight some key investments that have been made in Namibia by Chinese and Indian companies, running into several billions of dollars and safeguarding thousands of jobs for Namibians.

We welcome feedback from our readers abroad and within the borders of Namibia, as we strive make a difference through the Journal’s drive to showcase Namibia’s investment and trade potential by availing relevant information that helps you the reader, the businessperson and/or the investor in your decision making process.

Happy Reading!

Tunga-eumbo Mboti,Deputy Director: Namibia Investment Centreand Editor

Ms. Tunga-eumbo Mboti


Ambassador Steve Katjiuanjo

Ambassador Steve Katjiuanjo is newExecutive Director at MITSMED

The Ministry of Industrialisation, Trade and SME Development (MITSMED) wishes to extend a warm welcome

to H.E. Steve Katjiuanjo, who has been appointed as its new Executive Director (ED), effective February 11, 2019.

Ambassador Katjiuanjo is succeeding H.E. Gabriel Sinimbo who is now Namibia’s High Commissioner to India.

Ambassador Katjiuanjo is joining this Ministry

after a 5-year service in diplomatic posting to the United Kingdom

(UK) and Ireland, where he was promoting

and safeguarding the interest of Namibia through economic

diplomacy.

Ambassador Katjiuanjo is a seasoned public servant where he served as Deputy Secretary to Cabinet (ED) in the office of Prime Minister.

He also served as an Executive Director (Permanent Secretary) in the Ministries of Youth, Sport and Culture and Justice respectively before he left for diplomatic posting.

The Ministry is delighted to have Ambassador Katjiuanjo onboard, and we all wish to pledge our fullest support to him in spearheading the clear mandate of this ministry, for Namibia to realise its national development goal of becoming an industrialised nation by 2030.

Hon. Tjekero Tweya,MinisterMITSMED


A part of the FirstRand Namibia Group

Ashburton Investments’ Infrastructure Fund is ready to deploy debt funding of between N$100-million and N$500-million to qualifying Namibian domestic infrastructure opportunities. Qualifying sectors include Transport, Energy, Water, Communication and Social and Commercial Infrastructure (including Education, Health, Agriculture, Cold-chain and Scientific facilities). Ashburton Investments is Fully invested in helping to deliver sustainable growth in Namibia.

Interested parties should contact Josephat Mwatotele at [email protected] or Rein van Veen at [email protected]. Ashburton Investments’ offices is at the corner of Schanzen & Sinclair Roads, Windhoek, and the office number is 061-378800.

FULLY INVESTED IN PROVIDING CAPITAL FOR NAMIBIA’S GROWTH.


President urges Cabinet support towards Investment Promotion

President Hage G. Geingob has rallied his entire Cabinet to work towards promoting trade and investment in

Namibia, by taking time to meet with local and foreign business people with plans to invest in the country.

In his address, during the opening of the first decision-making cabinet meeting for the year, held on 5th February 2019, the Head of State said it was through economic advancement that Namibia will be able to create jobs and income, necessary to foster a vibrant and diverse economy.

Having earlier declared 2019 as the “Year of Accountability”, President Geingob appealed for closer collaboration between Cabinet Ministers and the business community, and urged the Ministers to avail themselves to meet with both local and international investors.

“I wish to state that as a means to ensure

that Namibia becomes a nation defined by

sustainable and shared prosperity, we have identified Economic

Advancement as one of the pillars of our

Harambee Prosperity Plan. However,

economic advancement cannot take place in the absence of trust

between Cabinet and the business

community,” he said.

“I urge you to inculcate a culture of accountability in your offices. By doing so, you will increase performance and output. You are there to provide leadership, guidance and support within the framework of a team,” President Geingob said.

The Head of State encouraged the Ministers to be resolute in promoting economic activity, and not to be deterred by the fear of failure.

“By now, you are all aware of my formula of accountability + transparency = trust. As Cabinet Ministers, by being accountable and transparent, you make a clear statement that not only are you willing to make commitments, but you are prepared to take responsibility for your actions.

“This year, we will be marking 29 years as an independent nation. Our challenge is to ensure that the peace, unity and stability we have enjoyed over these years is translated into tangible results for the people.

Our challenge is to take our country to the next level of success,” President Geingob appealed.

In his New Year message delivered at the beginning of the year, President Geingob said “although the (Namibian) economy remains volatile, we have steadied the ship and anticipate that the tide will turn for the better from this year”.

The Head of State has challenged Namibians, from students to workers, and professionals in the public and private sectors, to reinvent themselves in order to stay relevant in this technologically advancing world.

“It is time for us to upgrade and learn new

skills. Let us become more innovative, adapt,

re-tool and re-skill ourselves to benefit

from new technologies, and the fourth industrial

revolution,” he said.

President Hage Geingob with Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila


Namibian beef will soon be on the shelves of U.S. retailers

American consumers warm up to Namibian beef

Namibia is set to become the first African country to export beef to the United States of America after

Meatco’s meat sample products sent to that country were well received.

Potential clients in the USA were impressed by Meatco’s products, Rosa Thobias, Meatco’s Corporate Affairs Manager told Invest Namibia Journal. This is subsequent to Meatco successfully sending sample beef to the US Market at the end of 2018 despite US health and customs protocols that are quite tedious.

“We are now in the process of re-establishing contact with customers to follow up the sampling and look at required next steps,” Thobias said.

Meatco, in the past few years, has been seeking access to lucrative markets in the United States and Asia particularly China.“Meatco is targeting retailers such as wholefoods niche markets (NeverEver) consciousness, meaning those clients who have made a decision to never eat

meat with antibiotics and hormones growth enhancers,” added Thobias.

Namibia was granted access to the American market in 2016, but was waiting for labelling approval to start exports.Under the US export rules, Namibia is eligible to export to the US boneless (not ground) beef raw products such as primal cuts, chucks, blade, and beef trimmings.

Through the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS), Namibia underwent a public health and assurance audit by the United States of America via Food Safety and Inspection Services (FSIS).

Already, Meatco was audited at plant level by an FSIS auditor. No deviations (findings) were raised and the Meatco plant was found fully compliant. This inspection was conducted under the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), which is responsible for the commercial supply of meat, correct labelling and packaging in that country.

To date, only 33 countries worldwide have been approved to export meat to the US.Acknowledging the importance of Meatco’s market entry, Desmond Cloete, the Chief Marketing Officer at the Meat Board of Namibia highlighted that this development would set Namibia apart from any other competitors like Botswana and Lesotho that also exports beef to the EU and Norway.

“Namibia is the first country in Africa to export beef to the US and this sets us apart. Our world renowned traceability system NAMLITS and FANMEAT scheme put trading partners at ease that the beef exported to their countries are safe and animals from which it is sourced are raised naturally and were never treated with antibiotics, growth stimulants or any other biotechnology,” he said.

He further noted that this is a major development which took around 14 years to open the US market also makes Namibia the trendsetters on the Africa continent.


Namibia’s high quality beef has already proved popular on the European market

“Even big brother South Africa may only dream to export beef to the US. Meatco exports

beef under the “Never Ever” brand meaning

our beef was never ever treated with growth

stimulants, animal by-products and antibiotics and are raised naturally

on grazing. “Another major positive factor is that Meatco also slaughter older animals (C grades) that provides an alternatives as is the case with the European Union and Norway markets that solely requires A, AB & B grades of beef. As a result it provides

a more competitive market for C grades and it is observed in the drastic increase in producer prices of C Grades in the market (also attributed to the moratorium on beef imports from South Africa due to Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak),” Cloete further explained.

Namibia intends to export some 860 000 kg of beef in the first year, rising to 5.7 million kg by the fifth year. The projected Namibian beef of imports in the first year would only be about 0.008% of total US production and 0.07% of total US meat imports.

Evaluation of the Namibian meat inspection system started in 2002 and resumed in 2005, after which the government of Namibia requested approval to export beef products to the US.

In 2006, FSIS conducted a document review to evaluate the laws, regulations, and other documentation used by Namibia, to execute its meat inspection

programme and an on-site audit of Namibia’s meat inspection system, and identified systemic deficiencies. In response to this audit, Namibia submitted a corrective action plan that addressed FSIS’s findings.

In 2009, FSIS conducted a follow-up on-site audit to verify that all outstanding issues identified during the previous audit have been addressed. Following that on-site audit, Namibia again provided a corrective action plan to address the issues identified.

In 2013, FSIS proceeded with a follow-up on-site audit of Namibia’s meat inspection system, and verified that Namibia had satisfactorily implemented corrective actions in response to the 2009 on-site audit. Following a series of further audits to ensure Namibia complies with US regulatory standards, FSIS determined on the basis of the 2014 on-site audit that Namibia fully met the criteria.


SADC to focus on innovation driven economy – President Geingob

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) is currently in the process of developing a regional

strategy on the fourth industrial revolution, which is premised on transformative and structural changes of economies of the member countries, with a goal of having innovation driven economies by 2063.

Addressing the launch of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Global Commission on the Future of Work Report in Durban, South Africa, at the beginning of March, SADC Chairperson and the President of the Republic of Namibia, Dr. Hage G. Geingob, said as the regional body continues to implement the SADC Industrialisation Strategy and Roadmap (2015-2063), the key elements of the fourth industrial revolution will need to feature prominently in the implementation strategies and programmes.

“Our focus will be on strengthening growth drivers linked to the potential

of priority value chains, particularly agro-processing, mineral beneficiation and pharmaceuticals. Key enablers in this regard have been identified as Energy, Intellectual Property Rights, Skills, Information and Communication Technologies and private sector investments, among others,” said the SADC Chair.

President Geingob paid tribute to the ILO,

which celebrated its centenary this year, for having remained

resolute in advancing the notion that, people (the workforce) should be at the centre of real

progress in the modern day global society.

President Geingob also lauded the ILO for making recommendations that are founded on three pillars, namely increasing investment in people’s capabilities, in the institutions of work and in decent andsustainable work.

Skills development

“We welcome the perspective that the best future outcomes will be guaranteed by conscious decisions that ensure that the pace of technological change is determined by human capacity to drive it.

However, this means that considerable investments must be made to support education and skills development that will swiftly and adequately respond to new developments,” said the SADC Chair.

President Hage G. Geingob addressing the launch of the ILO Global Commission on the Future of Work Report in Durban, South Africa


The ILO celebrates its 100th anniversary this year

President Geingob further pointed out that the education curricula in SADC countries need considerable reorientation, to better respond to emerging and future labour market needs. It is only in this way, that the labour market can play a stabilizing role, as a source of income and livelihoods for the majority, he said.

The ILO report recommends bold measures to be taken, such as the establishment of a universal labour guarantee, which includes the right to an adequate living wage, as well as a safe working environment.

Despite the positive economic growth rates registered by SADC countries, President Geingob said the effect on employment growth over a long period of time has been very minimal.

“The high rates of unemployment and underemployment in our countries already present formidable challenges, particularly regarding youth

unemployment. I wish therefore to agree with the recommendation that future approaches should seek to directly incentivise job creation as a key target rather than a by-product of economic policies that otherwise pursue other objectives,” said the Namibian Head of State.

President Geingob concluded by emphasising the need for “human-centred development” to form the foundation for future work of the ILO and other relevant organisations.

South Africa’s Minister of Labour, Mildred Oliphant addressing delegatesat the ILO Global Commission on the Future of Work Report


President Hage G. Geingob and his Kenyan counterpart H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta said they will soon implement a five year visa plan for Kenyan business people interested in trading in Namibia. The plan is expected to eventually lead to a visa free regime between the two countries.

Namibia-Kenya Business Forum seeks to boost trade partnerships

Namibia has extended an invitation to Kenyan investors and companies to invest in the country,

highlighting several opportunities in the manufacturing, logistics, agro–processing, horticulture, solar energy, pharmaceuticals, textile, and tourism sectors.

The invitation was extended during a meeting of the Namibia-Kenya Business Forum, held on the sidelines of Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta’s official visit to Namibia during the independence celebrations week. Both President Hage G. Geingob and his Kenyan counterpart H. E. Kenyatta expressed the need to strengthen trade and economic

partnerships between the two countries.

The Business Forum was attended by a high-powered Kenyan delegation, which included Cabinet Secretary of Industry, Trade and Cooperatives, Hon. Peter Munya, Mr. Geoffrey K. Gathigi, Director of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dr. Moses Ikiara, Managing Director of the Kenya Investment Authority and Mr. Maxwell Otienno Odongo, Honorary Consul for Namibia based in Nairobi, Kenya.

Minister of Industrialisation, Trade and SME Development, Hon. Tjekero Tweya, in his remarks to the forum, read by Executive Director Ambassador Steve

Katjiuanjo, said Namibia offers vibrant investment and trade opportunities to Kenyan companies.

“You will agree with me that despite our historic relations, trade activities are minimal, and as two African countries there is an urgent need that both Namibia and Kenya improve and increase trade, especially in transport and logistics. Both countries should, therefore, forge ahead to see much tangible collaborative efforts between our two harbours (Port of Walvis Bay and Port of Mombasa),” said Hon. Tweya.

Namibia has embarked on a large-scale programme of renewing and expanding


its infrastructure to position the country as a logistics hub for southern Africa, and as a springboard to the rest of the continent. This area, the Minister said, presented various investment opportunities.

“Current focal areas are the development of water infrastructure solutions, desalination plants, power plants development and power transmissions, particularly renewable energy. Other infrastructure projects requiring investment include transportation and logistics infrastructure, especially along the corridors,” said Hon. Tweya.

A few companies from Kenya have actively participated in the Namibian economy with investments in civil aviation, quantity surveying and architecture projects.

In his presentation during the Business Forum, Mr. Wilbard Nashandi, Deputy Director: Projects

& Incentives at the Namibia Investment Centre, showcased

trade and investment opportunities in

Namibia that Kenyan investors could take

advantage of.

Priority focus areas for investment promotion

include mineral beneficiation, energy,

value addition to natural resources and SME

development to drive industrialisation.

In the agriculture/agro industry, opportunities for investment exist in

environmentally friendly irrigation techniques, cultivation of fruits, horticulture, vegetables, processing of meat, fish, vegetables and fruits, processing of karakul leather and wild silk, customised agricultural machinery and equipment, cooling rooms and testing laboratories, as well as agriculture training institutions.

Namibia’s 1, 500km coastline is recognised as one of the world’s richest fishing grounds and the country is ranked among the world’s top 10 fishing nations. Mr Nashandi said vast opportunities for investment and partnerships exist in fish processing, canning and packaging, shellfish production, mariculture and aquaculture, as well as ship and marine exploration.

With Namibia fast developing into a regional trade hub, opportunities for investment exist in the transport and logistics sector, where mining, agriculture, healthcare, oil and gas industries are seeking customised logistics solutions. Namibia is also looking expanding and upgrading its rail infrastructure.

Other infrastructure Namibia is looking at developing include, expansion of the main airport’s capacity, construction of dry bulk terminals and car loading terminals at the Walvis Bay port, ship repair yards, storage facilities and industrial parks.

Nashandi highlighted, that Namibia’s manufacturing sector also offered opportunities in the manufacture of automotive parts and components, fertilizers and petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, steel and glassware, among others.

Namibia is working towards growing the mining sector and where investment and partnership opportunities exist in the areas of exploration, prospecting and beneficiation.

In the energy sector, Namibia is boosting electricity generation to meet the targets set out in the National Development Programmes (NDPs), and the Harambee Prosperity Plan (HPP). Opportunities exist in hydro-power, wind, solar and biomass power generation plants.

While Namibia’s tourism sector remains one of the most vibrant on the continent, Nashandi said there were still several opportunities for investment in the construction of more lodges, hotels, restaurants and conference facilities.

Namibia has been at the forefront of promoting adventure tourism, sport tourism (such as iron man races and extreme marathons), and would like to see more such activities being hosted in the country.

Namibian and Kenyan government and business representatives attending the Namibia-Kenya Business Forum


PolyCare to help ease Namibia’s housing backlog

One of the success stories of the 2016 Invest in Namibia Conference, PolyCare Research Technologies,

has officially entered Namibia’s affordable housing market with the inauguration of its factory just outside Windhoek, on 4 February.

The company, which is a joint venture between Namibian and German investors, seeks to revolutionise the local housing market with innovative technology which constructs homes using desert sand and resin.

“Nowhere in the world has this technology been used to address housing needs and this means we have created a new solution for quality affordable housing,” said Dr Gerhard Dust, Director of PolyCare Namibia, during the launch ceremony officiated by Vice President Hon. Nangolo Mbumba and Minister for Economic Affairs, Science and Digital Society in the Free State of Thuringia – where PolyCare originates from – Hon. Wolfgang Tiefensee.

He said the factory produces building blocks which are harder than concrete, can be manufactured to exceptional size and shape tolerances with lower weight than conventional concrete. The blocks do not absorb water, are completely wind proof, frost proof, corrosion resistant, and resistant to all corrosive effluents, highly resistant to UV and unaffected by larger variations in temperatures.

With Namibia’s housing challenges well documented and with the recent declaration of war against informal settlements by H.E. President Hage G. Geingob, the advent of PolyCare houses means that it will take about two weeks to build a two-bedroom house at a starting price of N$295 000 (excluding the land, servicing and transport and professional fees and taxes).

“There has been overwhelming approval on various levels of society. This is indeed Germany quality made in Namibia and to top it off, production produces 60 percent

less emissions than conventional housing. Interestingly further, we do not require water making the house bricks,” Dr Dust added in awe of the initiative that has been well received.

PolyCare, which invested

about N$38 million to set up

the factory and now plans

to provide training and skills

transfer for SMEs builders

- so that they can become

part of its value chain, was

crafted off the excellent

relationship between the

Namibian and German

governments.

UNVEILING: Vice President Hon. Nangolo Mbumba, with Minister of Trade, Industrialisation and SME Development, Hon. Tjekero Tweya officially opening the PolyCare factory. Also present to witness the event were Khomas Regional Governor Laura McLeod-Katjirua and Minister of Economic

affairs, Science and Digital Society in the Free State of Thuringia Germany, Wolfgang Tiefensee.


Minister Tiefensee noted that in 2016, he was able to join the PolyCare directors who presented the model house to President Geingob and hence was delighted that the initiative had come to fruition.

“I am thrilled to witness what Namibia and Germany can achieve together. A future where together means to learn from each other as equals,” he said.

While Bank Windhoek has confirmed that they will provide end user finance to Namibians wanting to purchase a PolyCare house, Invest Namibia Journal has also established that PolyCare was in discussions with Namibia’s other financial institutions to obtain their approval to lend for houses built with its MAS system.

Vice President Hon. Mbumba called on government and employers to embrace PolyCare’s housing concept to address their housing and developmental concerns in a fast and affordable manner. He urged Namibian commercial banks to join the initiative. “In this regard, I encourage the rest of the financial sector to embrace this technology and come on-board to avail more funding to prospective homeowners.

“Similarly, I also encourage our employers all over Namibia, to utilise this opportunity and help their employees to purchase own houses. Additionally, our National Housing Enterprise (NHE) should explore the viability of partnering up with PolyCare, to see how best they could execute their mandate of providing affordable, quality housing, to drastically reduce the existing massive national housing backlog,” said VP Mbumba.

He called upon the Ministers of Education, Arts and Culture, Health and Social Services, and Urban and Rural Development to consider collaboration in implementing this efficient building technology to help Namibia build more classrooms, clinics and houses at affordable prices.

Notably, the majority of the shares in PolyCare Research Technology Namibia are owned by the Namibian partners. They include Namibbeton, KL Construction and Guinas Investments.

The factory is currently employing 30 Namibians (15 males and 15 females), a number which will double upon full

production and provide the much needed jobs.

“The technology offered by PolyCare is a welcome addition to the existing traditional building systems as it has many advantages. Among such advantages, I understand are that the blocks used for building the houses can be easily made from locally available desert and river sand.

Also, the building system does not use water in its production methods, which is a big positive benefit for our semi desert country. Furthermore, it is also efficient from a carbon footprint perspective which will be helpful for Namibia to attain and maintain its green energy user credentials,” extended the Vice President.

See more launch photos on next page

A model two-bedroom demo house at the PolyCare factory.

Employees of the new PolyCare factory outside Windhoek.

“Notably, the majority of the shares in PolyCare Research Technology

Namibia are owned by the Namibian partners. They include Namibbeton,

KL Construction and Guinas Investments”


Visit www.nwr.com.na/mice for more details.

GET IN TOUCH WITH US

� +264 61 285 7108 | +264 61 285 7167 +264 61 285 7169 | +264 61 285 7188 � [email protected] � www.nwr.com.na

Partake in this 5-day expedition to Sos-susvlei in the Namib Desert, the world’s oldest desert. Sossusvlei, a salt and clay pan, surrounded by high red dunes, lo-cated in the southern part of the Namib Desert, in the Namib-Naukluft National Park of Namibia. The name “Sossusvlei” is often used in an extended meaning to refer to the surrounding area (including other neighbouring vleis such as Deadv-lei and other high dunes), which is one of the major visitor attractions of Namibia. Built in an environmentally sensitive manner, primarily from wood, canvas and thatch, in an attractive ‘afro-village’ style, Sossus Dune Lodge offers guests an evocative and life-changing experience. Situated within the Namib Naukluft Park, guests benefit from being able to reach Sossusvlei before sunrise and stay un-til after sunset, and on their return after an exhilarating day, relax in the tranquil-lity and splendour of the Namib Des-ert, under the spectacular African sky.

NAMIB DUNE EXPLORATION

WELLNESS GETAWAY

Go on a 5-day wellness retreat to our Gross Barmen Resort and get a de-stress treatment. Gross Barmen Re-sort is located around 100 km from the capital city of Windhoek, nestled on the banks of a tributary of the Swa-kop River. Set between rows of palm trees, green lawns and many pleasant walks, the resort is ideal for all ages.

Gross Barmen includes facilities for spa & wellness, fitness, recreation, and lei-sure. The main attraction of the resort is the health and hydro/ medical spa cen-tre, featuring thermal springs and provid-ing a full range of treatments, massag-es, and health activities for relaxation.


Minister Tweya hails EPZ companiesIndustrialisation, Trade and SME

Development Minister, Hon. Tjekero Tweya, has underlined the important

role that Export Processing Zone (EPZ) companies play in the Namibian economy.

Providing information in the National Assembly following questions posed by the leader of the opposition in Parliament, Hon. McHenry Venaani, Minister Tweya said since the inception of the EPZ Regime in 1995, a total of 142 enterprises were granted EPZ status.

Currently, there are 19 enterprises operating under Namibia’s EPZ regime, in the manufacturing, mineral processing and motor vehicle assembly sectors, with a combined investment of N$11, 6 billion and employing 2 345 people, statistics provided by the Minister indicate.

The Namibian Government is committed

to stimulating economic growth and employment and to establish the country as a gateway location in the Southern African region.

The EPZ regime is one of the numerous incentives introduced to stimulate manufacturing in Namibia, enhance the diversification of the local economy and prompt exports into the region and to the rest of the world.

The EPZ regime is intended to, among other incentives, offer some tax exemptions, allow companies to hold foreign currency accounts at commercial banks, as well as facilitate the companies’ repatriation of their capital and profits. These incentives are, however, currently being reviewed.

The table below shows the individual cumulative investment value and the total

number of jobs offered by the 19 active EPZ status enterprises in Namibia.

Hon. Tjekero Tweya

The table below shows the individual cumulative investment value and the total number of jobs offered by the 19 active EPZ status enterprises in Namibia.

EPZ Company Name

Cumulative Investment Level

2017/18

(N$ )

EMPLOYMENT LEVEL 2017/18

NAMIBIANS FOREIGNERS

Male Female Male Female TOTAL

A. MANUFACTURING1. Namibia Press and Tools (Pty) Ltd 19 214 138 20 3 - - 232. Borries Marking Systems (Pty) Ltd 14 560 390 3 1 1 5

3. Namibia Oriental Tobacco CC 10 446 873 3 4 - - 7SUB-TOTAL: 3 Companies 44 221 400.95 26 8 1 0 35B. MINERAL PROCESSING

4. NamZinc 7 764 013 010 506 90 16 1 6135. Dundee Precious Metals (Pty)Ltd 3 203 025 109 617 148 7 - 772

6. Namgem (Pty) Ltd 29 059 918 30 52 - - 827. Diacore Diamonds (Namcot ) (Pty) Ltd 18 326 232 31 42 1 - 74

8. Hard Stone Processing (Pty) Ltd 89 633 729 8 16 2 - 269. Nu Diamond (Binvis Investments) (Pty) Ltd 18 578 665 16 41 5 1 63

10. Duiker Investments (Almod) (Pty) Ltd 1 145 380 66 81 35 6 18811. Trau Bros Diamond Namibia (Pty) Ltd 7 826 674 20 17 4 - 41

12. Schachter & Namdar (Pty) Ltd 6 739 117 20 15 1 - 3613. Ankit Diamond (Crystal) (Pty) Ltd 1 211 821 26 41 12 - 79

14. Morse Investments (Pty) Ltd 3 651 477 - - - - -15. Pluczenik Diamonds Namibia (Pty) Ltd 4 385 869 31 54 8 - 9316. DYS Diamond Manufacturing (Pty) Ltd 178 252 27 55 23 - 105

17. Imerys Gecko Graphite Namibia (Pty) Ltd 429 636 000 82 15 2 - 9918. SKY Investment (Pty) Ltd 969 508 6 12 17 - 35SUB-TOTAL: 15 Companies 11 578 380 761 1 486 679 133 8 2 306C. ASSEMBLY OPERATIONS

19. Transvehco (Pty) Ltd

23 636 601 2 2 - - 4

SUB-TOTAL: 1 company

23 636 601 2 2 - - 4

GRAND TOTAL: 19 COMPANIES

11 646 238 763 1 514 689 134

8 2 345


Minister Alweendo urges mining sector to invest in exploration

Mines and Energy Minister, Hon. Tom Alweendo wants the country’s mining sector to invest

in geological mapping, so that Namibia can be better represented in the mineral resources sector.

Alweendo says without an improved geological mapping, it will be difficult for Namibia to attract investment for mineral exploration.

“Without exploration, no new mines can be discovered. Fortunately the emerging geological mapping technology has made it possible to obtain accurate mineral resource assessment,” he says.Minister Alweendo also wants the Namibian mining sector to periodically review its mineral licensing legal framework, in order to ensure that it continues to be competitive in attracting both local and foreign investment.

“For example, it is not helpful when it takes

an inordinate long time for us to finalise the

processing of licensing applications. It will be self-defeating when

we impose impractical licensing conditions; or when our policies

are unpredictable thereby creating policy

uncertainties,” the Minister says.

The Namibian mining sector is one of the country’s key sectors, contributing about 12.5% to GDP and targeted to reach 15.2% by 2022. Mineral exports, which include diamonds, copper, lead, zinc, gold and uranium, generated N$23 billion in the 2017/2018 financial year.

Hon. Alweendo says it goes without saying that there is need to take good care of the mining sector, given the impact it has on the Namibian economy at large.

“This high contribution to our economy suggests that for the foreseeable future the economy will be dominated by the mining sector. We need to be pragmatic in the management of the mining sector. We need to ensure that the mineral resources are utilised to the benefit of both the investors and the state,” he says.

Mines and Energy Minister, Hon. Tom Alweendo


Namibia’s mining sector presents several value addition opportunities, as this is currently still limited to diamonds, cutting and polishing of semi-precious stones, copper smelting, electrolytic production of special high grade zinc, and the production of table and fine salt.

Most of Namibia’s minerals are currently exported in their raw form. According to the fifth National Development Plan (NDP5), Namibia aims to move from simply mining activity to mining and processing minerals and materials by 2022.

For Namibia, beneficiation is a logical process that promotes industrialisation and generate significant economic growth, which in turn should reduce poverty and inequality in the country.

Beneficiation is an attempt to diversify away from simple commodities, foster industrialisation (a driver of growth) through structural transformation, and reduce high unemployment as a result of the creation of new local industries.

The Chamber of Mines of Namibia (CoM) echoes Minister Alweendo’s sentiments and says, growth in the mining sector will only come through a fertile and conducive environment for exploration, leading to the creation of new mines.

The CoM further states that, “the continued success of the mining industry will depend on the competitiveness of Namibia, as an attractive investment destination for exploration and mining” and has urged the need for new policy proposals and expediting licensing matters.

The CoM says the outlook for the Namibian mining industry is positive with several new players targeting a larger array of minerals. These developments are expected to widen the opportunities for investment, and broadening of the value chain. The surge in prices for lithium, graphite, rare earths, cobalt and among others, is being driven by electric vehicles and renewable energy storage technologies, and expected to bode well for exploration activities in Namibia.

The most notable projects to date have been Desert Lion lithium project near Karibib, Gecko Opuwo Cobalt project, Namibia Rare Earths projects, and the Namib Lead and Zinc mine near Swakopmund, which is currently progressing with mine development.

The Namibian mining sector generated N$23 billion in the 2017/2018 financial year


Walvis Bay Port ready to metamorphose into SADC’s Gateway

With construction work on the new Walvis Bay container terminal nearing completion, port users

are gearing up for this new terminal to be commissioned in the second half of 2019.

Chairperson of the Walvis Bay Port Users Association (WBPUA), Pillar Veiga, says that the industry is eagerly awaiting the new upgraded Walvis Bay port facility.

“There is much to do and adjustments to be

made, to accommodate the new infrastructure.

We look forward to the new digitalised

systems and equipment, which will raise the

competitiveness of our port and route,” says

Veiga.Willie Prosser, Chairman of the Container Liners Operators Forum (CLOF), says the capacity increase will allow for increased productivity and efficiency, making Walvis Bay a more attractive trans-shipment hub and gateway into the region.

In 2018, cargo volumes at Walvis Bay increased by 15%, a positive indication of increased cargo flow through the port. On completion, the port of Walvis Bay’s new modern container terminal is expected to increase the container handling capacity from the current 355,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) to up to 1,005,000 TEUs.Construction work at the new terminal has included dredging works, land reclamation, surface or ground

improvement, construction of the retaining wall and storm barrier, paving, installing of essential services, electrical feed, new quay wall, the construction of the new administration block, workshop space, new jetty for passenger liners and the new marina with its storm barrier.

Outgoing NamPort CEO Bisey Uirab


Already, the Namibia Ports Authority (NamPort) has spent N$440 million acquiring four state-of-the-art, ship-to-shore cranes aimed at enhancing port efficiency and to meet the demands of container handling at the new terminal. These cranes will ensure faster turnaround for ships, thus minimizing congestion at the port.

Southern Africa landlocked countries of Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe are key market targets for the Walvis Bay Port. It’s regularly used by the three neighbouring countries who have since completed construction of dry-docking facilities that will be used to temporarily hold cargo. The countries were allocated land by the Namibian authorities as part of consolidating the mutual benefits and bilateral ties between Namibia and the neighbours.

However, outgoing NamPort Chief Executive Officer Bisey Uirab says the target market will not be limited to the three landlocked neighbours. “We aim to serve the over 300 million people in the region (SADC), as we develop these facilities. Equally, it is for this reason that we are also promoting the development

of our trade corridors, namely: Trans-Kalahari Corridor, Walvis Bay-Ndola-Lubumbashi Corridor, Trans-Kunene and the Trans-Orange Corridor going into South Africa. Hence, the signing of a tripartite agreement between Namibia, Botswana and South Africa, in terms of the Trans-Kalahari Corridor, in which these three governments commit to ensure that trade along this corridor is facilitated smoothly as possible,” he says.

He says the port of Walvis Bay was being upgraded to a level where it can compete for clients, with the regional powerhouse ports of Durban in South Africa and Beira in Mozambique.

The expansion of the port of Walvis Bay is expected to create major economic spinoffs for Namibia and make the country a regional transport and logistics hub, a goal which the Government made a key pillar of development in its developmental plans.

Namibia’s ports are designed and strategically located to not only serve Namibia, but the region’s hinterland and was for this reason that Dry Port Facilities were allocated to Botswana, Zambia and

Zimbabwe on a lease basis.

Angola is equally a significant trade partner at regional level, both in terms of transit cargo through the port of Walvis Bay and through Namibia’s northern town of Oshikango, as well as in regards to trans-shipments from Walvis Bay to Luanda.

NamPort has also been exploring the possibility of a Public Private Partnership (PPP), to maximise benefits for the port of Walvis Bay. Uirab said during a recent courtesy call to the port by the Mayor of Kingston, Delroy Williams that Jamaica has agreed to explore this possibility and its benefits to Namibia.

Jamaica has become a role-model for several countries around the world since it implemented its PPP policy in 2012, which saw the country completing five major projects, three of them in renewables, with a total investment value of about N$16 billion.

Jamaica also entered into a PPP for Kingston Freeport Terminals Limited, an affiliate of French shipping company CMA CGM, for 30 years.

Cargo volumes at the Walvis Bay Port increased by 15% in 2018


SADC pushes industrialisation agenda

Industrialisation remains a key priority for the Southern African Development Community (SADC) hence its resolve

to continue establishing mechanisms through which industrial development can be realised.

This was emphasised by Hon. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation and Chair of the SADC Council of Ministers, during the regional ministers meeting held in Windhoek on 15 March.

“The review of our flagship strategy, the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) is one of the ways through which the region would promote new and better ways of accomplishing our goals and objectives,” said Hon. Nandi-Ndaitwah.

The SADC Council of Ministers Chair said implementation of the 38th SADC Summit theme, “Promoting Infrastructure

Development and Youth Empowerment for Sustainable Development”, would contribute immensely to the efforts towards infrastructure development in the region in order to ensure regional connectivity, and the empowerment of the youth, who are the future generation.

The SADC Council of Ministers noted the progress on the implementation of the Industrialisation Strategy and Roadmap (2015-2063) which is built on four pillars namely: Industrialisation, Competitiveness, Regional Integration, and Cross-cutting issues; and noted that an updated progress report on the implementation of the SADC Industrialisation Strategy and Roadmap will be submitted to its meeting in August 2019 after consideration by the Ministerial Task Force (MTF) on Regional Economic Integration in June 2019.

For the 2019/20 Financial Year, SADC Executive Secretary Dr Stergomena Lawrence Tax said major focus would

be on the implementation of the SADC Industrialisation Strategy and Roadmap, as complemented by the Regional Infrastructure Development Master Plan.

SADC Chairperson and President of the Republic of Namibia, Dr Hage G. Geingob

has said time had come for SADC to take

a great leap forward by harnessing the

opportunities provided by regional value

chains and the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Hon. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation and Chair of the SADC Council of Ministers


The 38th SADC Summit theme, President Geingob said, attests to SADC’s commitment towards taking the agenda of industrialisation forward, and the need for the youth to be at the centre of the region’s agenda.

The development and transformation of the manufacturing sector forms one of the priority intervention areas in the SADC Revised Indicative Strategy Development Plan 2015-2020, as well as the SADC Industrialisation Strategy and Roadmap.

Southern African countries like the rest of Africa, embarked on the long road to industrialise their economies right from independence. Reforms were introduced in the 80s and further deepened in the 90s through structural adjustment programmes (liberalisation, deregulation and privatisation), with the aim of injecting competition and dynamisms that would

lead to sustainable growth. The decades of reforms, however, did not translate into development of a vibrant industrial sector that would serve as the engine for sustainable economic growth.

“SADC can no longer remain passive in the quest for industrialisation. As a region we must therefore pursue the objective of being great in this sector. Expectations for Africa’s industrialisation have fallen below targets as most countries remain on the margins of industrialisation.

This is exemplified in the very low and declining shares of their Manufacturing Value Added (MVA) in GDP, and in their low MVA per capita which lag well below the country averages for developing countries,” says SADC Secretariat Director of Industrial Development and Trade, Tapiwa Samanga.

SADC is now exploring pragmatic policies needed to take the region to the next level of industrial development, and how we can get there in the shortest time possible, given the international governance environment and the region’s competitive advantage.

To this end SADC has launched the Integrated Institutional Capacity Building (IICB) programme aimed at enhancing the capacity of national structures of SADC Member States and the Secretariat to facilitate and co-ordinate implementation of regional programmes as identified in the SADC RISDP.

The IICB aims to ensure the development of member states to effectively deliver on the SADC Agenda. It aims to ensure sectoral coordination for industrialisation, agriculture and infrastructure development.

SADC Executive Secretary Dr Stergomena Lawrence Tax (left) and Hon. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah


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NMT International Namibia (Pty) Ltd | 122 Sam Nujoma Avenue, Office No.8 | Walvis Bay, NamibiaTel: +264 64 205 300 | Email: [email protected] | Website: wwwnmtshipping.com

Orange River Irrigation Project seeks private partners

The Agricultural Business Development Agency (AgriBusDev), a State-owned company tasked with overseeing

government Green Scheme projects, is seeking private investors to develop the Orange River Irrigation Project (ORIP) at Aussenkehr.

AgriBusDev Managing Director, Petrus Uugwanga, told Invest Namibia Journal that the company would put out a public tender for companies interested in partnering with the government entity on ORIP. The Orange River Irrigation Project is a Green Scheme project that produces table grapes, dates and various vegetables such as butternuts, pumpkins, watermelons, tomatoes and onions. However, the project is currently operating below par due to lack of funds to access fertilisers and the other necessary chemicals and inputs.

Uugwanga said the private investor will be expected to develop the 600 hectares to generate the much-needed revenue for the company. Currently only 156 hectares

have been put into production at ORIP.

“We are going to test the market to see if we can get a partner to fully develop the Orange River Irrigation Project. A tender will go out soon,” he said. Uugwanga said Namibian investors were free to enter into partnership with foreign companies as long as they remained the majority shareholder in the joint-venture. “We have consulted the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry and the AgriBusDev board, and they have approved us acquiring a

private investor to further develop the project,” Uugwanga said.

In 2018 exports of table grapes from ORIP decreased by 31 per cent due to a lack of adequate finances to access the needed inputs and chemicals. The ORIP is one of the 11 green schemes managed and overseen by the agency.

The other government green schemes are situated in the Omusati, Kavango East and West, Zambezi and Hardap regions.

Table grapes at the Orange River Irrigation Project


TransNamib CEO Johny Smith (left) and his Botswana Railways counterpart Leonard Musa Makwinja signing the MoU

TransKalahari Railway Project inches closer

A new container terminal will soon be built at Gobabis, the eastern town of Namibia, following an

agreement between the two state-owned rail companies, TransNamib Holdings Ltd, and Botswana Railways (BR).

TransNamib and Botswana Railways recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Gaborone, Botswana, which will culminate in the development and operation of a container terminal at Gobabis.

The MoU, signed by TransNamib Chief Executive Officer, Johny Smith, and his Botswana counterpart Leonard Musa Makwinja, signals the beginning of a fruitful and beneficial relationship to develop and enhance trade between the two countries.

The agreement between TransNamib and Botswana Railways is also seen as a catalyst towards the development of the planned Trans Kalahari Railway (TKR)

project, linking the two countries by rail.

“The future of railways offers many opportunities,” said Smith during the

signing ceremony.The cooperation between the two countries is also expected to facilitate the opening of import and export opportunities, and to unlock value on the TransKalahari route. The MoU serves as a short to medium-term partnership, to connect the two rail companies via a rail and road intermodal service between Namibia and Botswana.

The intermodal linkage from Walvis Bay to Gobabis will reduce the road transportation return trip with about 1 200 km. The alternative is that goods can be moved from the Port of Walvis Bay to

Gobabis, by rail in order to conveniently serve markets, including Botswana, Zambia, South Africa and Zimbabwe.

The TransKalahari Corridor (TKC) has been identified to hold the potential to unlock significant commerce and trade opportunities for Namibia and Botswana. The TKC is a tripartite trans-boundary Corridor Management Institution, which was established with a political and economic vision to pursue or contribute towards deeper regional integration programmes of the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

It is envisaged that this will be achieved by linking the port of Walvis Bay to the port of Maputo on the east coast of Africa. The TKC further connects highways of Namibia, commencing at the Port of Walvis Bay through Kanye and Lobatse, in Botswana to South Africa, mainly to the industrial heartland of the greater Gauteng.


India to boost economic ties with Namibia

India is moving to grow its investment and economic ties with Namibia, incoming High Commissioner to

Namibia, H.E. Prashant Agrawal says.

Namibia has witnessed a steady surge of investments by Indian companies in the country. These include: (i) In May 2010, Vedanta Resources of India acquired Skorpion Zinc Mine for US$750 million (about N$10, 5 billion) from Anglo-American Zinc. Skorpion Zinc mine, located 25km north of Rosh Pinah in the //Kharas Region of southern Namibia, is the largest integrated zinc operation in Africa; and (ii) Indian GPT Group of Companies invested N$18.75 million in a joint venture with TransNamib, Namibia’s rail and road transport parastatal for the production of concrete sleepers.

Indian firms have also invested in the Namibian energy, agriculture (irrigation) and health sectors.

Speaking to Invest Namibia Journal, H.E. Agrawal said Namibia occupies a very special place in the heart of India and that the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme had produced Namibian alumni who serve in prominent positions in the public and private sectors.

“Boosting investment and economic ties remains our common high priority. There is significant Indian investment in the mining sector here, and we would be happy to enhance it further. We were privileged to have Honourable Minister for Industrialisation, Trade and SME Development, Hon. Tjekero Tweya, during his recent visit to India, where he represented Namibia at the 9th Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit. We explored how we can boost our economic ties further. In this effort, partners such as the India-Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry have provided valuable support,” said H.E. Agrawal.

On the renewable energy front, one of the world’s leading

solar power companies, Sterling Wilson from

India recently executed a 45 megawatt solar

plant in Mariental, in the Hardap Region.

India’s ONGC Videsh Ltd (OVL), acquired a 15% stake in an oil block in Namibia’s offshore Block 2012A from Tullow Oil of United Kingdom. This was OVL’s second acquisition in Namibia. Earlier, OVL had acquired 30% stake in Namibia’s Petroleum Exploration License (PEL) 37, covering three offshore blocks, also from Tullow.

The High Commissioner said there was immense potential for partnership growth in the agriculture sector, in particular irrigation, mining infrastructure, logistics, railway upgrade, power distribution, as well as in the health sector. India is a world leader in the provision of affordable health services and pharmaceutical products.

Bilateral trade between Namibia and India, though small, have been increasing over the years. Bilateral trade during 2017-18 was US$106.06 million (about N$1, 48 billion), with India’s imports from Namibia at US$62.20 million (about N$870.8 million). Namibian rough diamonds arrive in India via London and Antwerp and do not get reflected in the bilateral trade figures.

Other notable Economic and Commercial activities between Namibia and India include the establishment of the India-

Hon. Tjekero Tweya, Industrialisation, Trade and SME Development Minister Indian High Commissioner to Namibia, H.E. Prashant Agrawal


Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (INCCI) in September 2016. This was soon followed by a 15-member Indian delegation from the Electronics and Computer Software Export Promotion Council (ESC) to Namibia. Furthermore, 19 Namibian companies participated in India-South Africa Business Summit held in Johannesburg, South Africa in April, 2018. In July 2018, a delegation from the Federation of Indian Granite and Stone Industry (FIGSI) visited Namibia.

In his address at the Vibrant Gujarati Global Summit, Hon. Tweya appealed to potential investors from India to come to Namibia, and explore the immense available opportunities in diverse sectors such as energy, manufacturing, health, tourism, agro-processing and blue economy.

He said Namibia is developing a special economic zones framework that would offer excellent incentives for foreign direct investment.

Hon. Tweya also affirmed that bilateral trade between Namibia and India has been on the increase, with several Indian companies showing an appetite for the Namibian mining, infrastructure

development, agriculture and manufacturing sectors.

The Summit is a biennial event organised by the State of Gujarat since 2003, with the primary purpose to connect India to the global market.

The summit was another platform for global leaders and

industries to discuss opportunities for

strategic partnerships, trade and investments between India and the

African continent.

The India-Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry also sent a delegation to Delhi to attend the India-Africa CII Exim Bank Conclave from March 17-19, 2018, where specific trade and investment projects were scheduled to be discussed.

Indian agricultural experts, Ranjit Patil and Prasad Kokate, have helped bring latest irrigation and farming technologies to Namibia to produce bounty of

fruits, flowers and vegetables in the middle of desert near Swakopmund


Nami Prefabricated Housing CC is a registered manufacturing company under the Ministry of Industrialisation, Trade and SME Development. We have been in existence since 2011 and we o�er a complete set of production line, including prefabricated wall panels, a�liated steel structure, aluminium and roof sheeting, which in total covers an area of 7,300 square meters.

Our products cover factories, houses and removable o�ces and Nami aims at providing good-quality, fast and easy-installation prefabricated houses and uplifting the living conditions of Namibians. Nami Prefabricated Housing CC has di�erent factories for di�erent products, for example EPS is Expanded Polystyrene, and the sheets are commonly packaged as rigid panels, which are also known as ‘bead-board’. Heating, cooling and cutting technologies are applied during the process and di�erent machines, like pre-expander, moulding and foam cutting machines are used. All our technologies and products have passed the evaluation standard from the U.S. Underwrites Laboratories.

NAMI PREFABRICATED

HOUSING CCNami Prefabricated Housing CC can go a long way in helping ease Namibia’s housing shortage. Our prefabricated houses are of higher quality, more cost e�cient, fast and durable, most importantly, they can be custom-made. Therefore it is low cost, fast and convenient for local people.

We have completed several projects for the Ministry of Safety and Security, Nampol Charge O�ce Accommodation (covering an area of 500 square meters), a clinic for the NYS Training Center (covering an area of 700 square meters) at Henties Bay, sta� accommodation, entertainment room and canteen (in total covering an area of 855 square meters) for the Dam Project near Keetmanshoop and 45 removable guardrooms for the Ministry of Safety and Security. We have also completed a Steel Structure factory for Outjo farm (covering an area of 1600 square meters), as well as courtrooms for Ministry of Justice. All our customers are satis�ed with our product.

We currently employ 40 long-term Namibian workers in the factory and in manufacturing, cutting works, etc, and a further 60 local workers are hired for installation works.

Cell: +264 81 149 0818 | +264 81 867 8873 | Email: [email protected] DETAILS

Nami Prefabricated Housing CC, Plot 37, Dobra Farm No. 49, Brakwater, P.O Box 30276, Windhoek, Namibia

Helping ease Namibia’s housing shortage


Nami Prefabricated Housing CC is a registered manufacturing company under the Ministry of Industrialisation, Trade and SME Development. We have been in existence since 2011 and we o�er a complete set of production line, including prefabricated wall panels, a�liated steel structure, aluminium and roof sheeting, which in total covers an area of 7,300 square meters.

Our products cover factories, houses and removable o�ces and Nami aims at providing good-quality, fast and easy-installation prefabricated houses and uplifting the living conditions of Namibians. Nami Prefabricated Housing CC has di�erent factories for di�erent products, for example EPS is Expanded Polystyrene, and the sheets are commonly packaged as rigid panels, which are also known as ‘bead-board’. Heating, cooling and cutting technologies are applied during the process and di�erent machines, like pre-expander, moulding and foam cutting machines are used. All our technologies and products have passed the evaluation standard from the U.S. Underwrites Laboratories.

NAMI PREFABRICATED

HOUSING CCNami Prefabricated Housing CC can go a long way in helping ease Namibia’s housing shortage. Our prefabricated houses are of higher quality, more cost e�cient, fast and durable, most importantly, they can be custom-made. Therefore it is low cost, fast and convenient for local people.

We have completed several projects for the Ministry of Safety and Security, Nampol Charge O�ce Accommodation (covering an area of 500 square meters), a clinic for the NYS Training Center (covering an area of 700 square meters) at Henties Bay, sta� accommodation, entertainment room and canteen (in total covering an area of 855 square meters) for the Dam Project near Keetmanshoop and 45 removable guardrooms for the Ministry of Safety and Security. We have also completed a Steel Structure factory for Outjo farm (covering an area of 1600 square meters), as well as courtrooms for Ministry of Justice. All our customers are satis�ed with our product.

We currently employ 40 long-term Namibian workers in the factory and in manufacturing, cutting works, etc, and a further 60 local workers are hired for installation works.

Cell: +264 81 149 0818 | +264 81 867 8873 | Email: [email protected] DETAILS

Nami Prefabricated Housing CC, Plot 37, Dobra Farm No. 49, Brakwater, P.O Box 30276, Windhoek, Namibia

Helping ease Namibia’s housing shortage


Chinese investment in Husab mine is one of the largest in Africa

Chinese companies step up investments in Namibia

China continues to find Namibia an attractive investment market with companies from that country

investing billions of dollars, mainly in the mining, construction, stone processing and cement sectors.

In addition, bilateral trade between Namibia and China has been on the increase, reaching US$800 million (about N$11, 2 billion) in 2018, statistics provided by the Chinese embassy in Windhoek indicate. Namibia’s exports to China stand at about US$500 million (about N$7 billion), recording a year-on-year increase of 68.2%.

According to the Embassy’s statistics, Chinese companies have contributed N$250 million in tax revenue to the Namibian government since 2016, while

creating up to 11 000 indirect and direct jobs in the country.Notable among China’s recent investments in Namibia is the US$4.7 billion (about N$65 billion) invested into the Husab Uranium Project, one of the largest Chinese investment in Africa, the N$350 million invested in Walvis Bay-based BC Stone Products and US$7 million (about N$98 million) in Nami Prefabricated Housing.

Husab Uranium Mine

The development of Husab mine is envisaged to fuel the clean energy initiative in China and at the same time boost the Namibian economy as a whole. Namibia is rich in uranium resources, with Husab being the biggest uranium deposit discovered to date.

With its huge investment, China General Nuclear Power Group (CGN), aims to build Husab into a world-class mine. Husab already operates with a giant mining fleet, high standard automation processing system, advanced technology of digital control and IT system.

“We aim to implement a win-win strategy by which Husab mine can grow sustainably so as to provide sustained support to Namibian industries and the people’s wellbeing. Because of the long lifecycle of Husab mine, China will remain in this partnership for at least 30 years,” the mine said in a written response to Invest Namibia Journal.

“Husab has contributed a total amount of N$1.2 billion in tax revenue to Namibia, including royalties, withholding tax, PAYE


Some of Nami Prefabricated Housing products

and other taxes. Husab mine will boost Namibia’s GDP growth by about 5 percent and increase the country’s export volume by about 20 percent, making Namibia the third largest uranium producer in the world when it reaches nameplate production,” the mine said further.

Husab’s current annual average

procurement value is between US$400 million and US$500

million, of which local procurement of goods and services amounts

to over 65% of the total procurement value.

Currently Husab has a staff complement of more than 1,700 employees, of which

Namibians make up the vast majority (97%), Chinese nationals (2%) and other expatriates (1%).

BC Stone Products

BC Stone Products (Namibia) is a dimension stone mining, processing and marketing company which was established in 2014. The factory is part of the Chinese international corporation, Best Cheer Stone Group.

BC Stone Products, which has trained and employs 300 Namibians, says its aim is to use Namibian stone resources to process and produce locally and to provide high-quality stone products for the Southern African market and beyond.

The company’s stone products are used for applications on walls, floors, kitchen counter tops, to name but a few uses.

“Our Vision for the future is to build a complete ‘proudly made in Namibia’ dimension stone Industry logistic supply chain. Namibia has abundant granite and

marble resources, but marketing remains key to making the industry successful,” the company says.

Nami Prefabricated Housing

Nami Prefabricated Housing is a Chinese manufacturing company that has been inexistence in Namibia since 2011. It has a complete set of production line, including prefabricated wall panels, affiliated steel structure, aluminium and roof sheeting.

Gu Di, the General Manager of Nami Prefabricated Housing, told INJ that the company’s products are used to cover factories, houses and mobile offices. “The high quality prefabricated houses built by our company can go a long way in alleviating the housing shortage.

We have completed several projects related to this, like five removable check points of the Ministry of Safety and Security in 2013, Nampol Charge Office accommodation and a clinic for the National Youth Service Training Center at Henties Bay, and our customers are satisfied with our products,” says Gu Di.


Scalability a key to manufacturing success – Development Bank CEO

Scalable manufacturing and assembly operations can be a lucrative basis for investor

success, says Development Bank of Namibia (DBN) Chief Executive Officer Martin Inkumbi.

As proof of this, he points to the commissioning of the Peugeot and Opel assembly plant in Walvis Bay late last year. Use of Walvis Bay as a point of entry to the SADC region is a clear indication that Namibia holds potential for manufacturers.

Although Namibia is a small market, Inkumbi says, excellent access to a diversified spread of SADC neighbours, and the benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and SACU place the country high on the shortlist of locations for manufacturers.

The primary barriers to setting up a manufacturing business though are costs of establishment and market penetration. In order to reduce the cost of establishment aimed at multiple countries, Inkumbi advocates for smaller but scalable operations at start-up. These reduce the initial cost outlays, but also enable the manufacturer to grow on the basis of demand.

“The success of a manufacturing operation is typically based on the size at the time of evaluation, rather than the size at the time of inception, so the view of a successful operation is biased and not reflective of its beginnings. By penetrating with a small to mid-sized operation, the manufacturer reduces risk to its capital structure and returns to ongoing operations in larger territories, but still has a basis for larger scale operations as a result of materialisation of growth strategies,” says Inkumbi.

The Peugeot assembly plant at Walvis Bay

DBN CEO Martin Inkumbi


Once the manufacturer is confident of the sustainability of the business operation in a single country, the business can then be scaled-up to reach new markets on the basis of its own resources and / or infusions of capital from the parent operation.

By starting small at inception of

the operation, the manufacturer creates

capacity to pioneer and adapt the new business

without major costs. The scalable approach reduces risk in various aspects of market penetration, such as cross-border market development, inventory efficiency, distribution channels, adjustment of supply, price adjustment,

penetration pricing and promotion.

Talking about the Development Bank’s approach to financing for manufacturers in Namibia, led by parent companies in other territories, Inkumbi confirms that the Bank can provide finance for manufacturing start-ups that are locally registered, but with shares held by parent companies in other territories. The Bank will also finance the participation of local shareholders in such companies.

Inkumbi says, DBN recognises the value of the owner’s contribution to establishment and operating costs. A 30% owners’ equity contribution is ideal, while the Bank can provide the 70% debt funding. Collateral, he explains, can be provided in the form of assets financed and guarantees from the parent companies.

The aforementioned financing structure is in the best interest of sustainability of the project. Depending on need, projects may

be granted a grace period on interest, capital or both in order to accommodate set-up and reach breakeven.

Inkumbi goes on to say that the DBN is interested in long-term relationships that span the growth trajectory of the enterprise. He points out that as the enterprise grows and matures, it will require additional finance. DBN has engaged in multiple financing deals over the years with larger Namibian companies, and these have been provided on the basis of sustainable growth. However, he notes that the Bank’s single obligor limit is N$350 million.

Inkumbi says DBN has earned itself a reputation as a first-stop for manufacturing start-ups. The Bank’s doors are open for business, and it is able to assess each application for finance on an individual basis.

The DBN views the manufacturing sector as a driver of economic activity and employment for Namibia


GIPF primes digital transformation and innovation

The Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF) is embarking on a digital transformation initiative that seeks

to not only increase automation, but also to introduce user-friendly applications to enhance the convenience for members in accessing and sharing information.

Goms Menettè, Chairman of the GIPF Board of Trustees has highlighted that through the Fund’s ambitious Business Process Improvement (BPI) project, which was commenced by the Operations department late last year.

The Fund seeks to use this innovation to improve service delivery, particularly on turnaround times for benefit pay outs that have come under criticism lately.

The GIPF caters for a growing membership base, which currently

stands at over 135 000 in the form of active members

and annuitants, which demand nothing less

than the highest level of service delivery.

“Our digital drive has the aim of securing significant operational efficiencies across the Fund’s entire service supply chain. Through the BPI project, we will stream-line business processes, reduce potential risks, increase the pace of service delivery, and minimise processing errors. The Fund has also invested in various initiatives aimed at improving our Information Systems (IS) capabilities and processes, and enhancing our information technology governance practices,” Menettè said.

He said through the operations system, GIPF aims to “drive digital transformation and innovation.”

Invest Namibia Journal understands that the recently unveiled new GIPF office

in Eenhana has been integrated into PepLink POC. A solution which will

enhance network connectivity, resulting in increased

productivity, and file sharing editing opportunities for documents amongst GIPF

colleagues from all over the country, at the

touch of a button.

M e n e t t è stated that as GIPF, we continuously strive to build

lasting confidence in our members and stakeholders, we need to address the challenges they face, such as access to services at their convenience as well as poor internet connection in some parts of the country, which makes it difficult to connect to GIPF systems.

“To further augment our efforts to improve stakeholder engagement, we will enhance our outreach programme using our ‘Pension on Wheels Mobile Van’, to reach our members, especially those residing in remote areas of Namibia. In doing so, the Fund will ensure that all members have access to our services. Our outreach programme has proven to be very successful, and in the future, we wish to acquire more vans to reach more members,” Menettè further explained.

In the next five years the GIPF, whose total assets under management are now about N$113 billion, has vowed to take considerable steps to become a leading and model pension fund in the global arena. This is in line with GIPF’s newly adopted five-year strategic plan, which came into effect on April 1, 2018 and will run until 2023.

GIPF Chief Executive Officer, David Nuyoma says, that the Fund acknowledges the tremendous improvement within its operational department but, wants to note that we have not reached our ultimate goal yet. It is a journey and not an event. Amidst the strides we have taken to get where we are today, we strive to pay out funeral claims within 12 hours as we know how difficult losing a loved one is.

A current interest is the death benefit of which as per the Pension Funds Act 24 of 1956, the turnaround time for a death claim is a twelve (12) month waiting period if everything is submitted. “The Fund is fully aware that waiting for 12 months is not acceptable. The suffering endured during this period cannot be condoned. It is against this background that one of the strategic deliverables is to pay death benefits within three months with a

GIPF Board of Trustees Chairman Goms Menettè


provision to keep a certain portion within the Fund for the untraced beneficiaries. We are working tirelessly to ensure that we are well within the allocated period and it is our wish to see this timeframe decrease so that our grieving beneficiaries maintain their livelihood even in the absence of their breadwinners,” GIPF CEO said recently.

GIPF, through its unlisted investments,

has also been implementing some

of the Harambee Prosperity Plan pillars, such as

social progression, infrastructure

development and service delivery, by

availing housing and servicing land for its

members.

Recognising this, Usko Nghaamwa, Governor of Ohangwena region recently expressed confidence in the GIPF’s housing efforts in his region.

“I am happy to learn that the GIPF has invested N$17.4 million in housing development, which will ultimately have 271 residential houses aimed at low and medium income groups.

This development in Ohangwena will greatly contribute towards housing shortage in this region. I therefore, would like to congratulate GIPF on these efforts, and appeal to them to continue to develop this Region, as my vision is to see more of my people owning houses in our country,” Nghaamwa said.

GIPF CEO David Nuyoma

The GIPF Head Office in Windhoek


From left: Leandri van der Walt, from INET Networking and Consulting Services; Trade, Industrialisation and SME Development Minister Hon. Tjekero Tweya; Naomi Kefas, Eco-Sanitary Trading Managing Director; and John Mackenzie Oosthuizen from INET Networking at the launch of Eco-Sanitary Trading

Namibia’s Eco-Sanitary enters reusable pads market

Having spent two years in research and development activities, which included travelling to South Africa,

Kenya, India and China at own cost to come up with a new sanitary pad. Eco-Sanitary Trading has entered the reusable and disposable pads manufacturing sector, setting sights on producing affordable quality pads of different sizes.

Motivated by the fact that hundreds of girls in Namibia, especially those in remote and disadvantaged communities, fail to attend school when they are menstruating, Naomi Kefas, the managing director of Eco-Sanitary Trading says this realisation brought about the idea of setting up a factory that would bring a difference.

Kefas notes that her company’s sanitary wear is affordable for greater accessibility by less privileged Namibians. “Our product, Perfect Fit, is true to its brand name as it

is perfect in quality, fits well and is also perfect for the pocket,” Kefas highlights.

With an initial investment of over N$3.5 million, Eco Sanitary Trading, which already employs 15 Namibians, recently launched its production plant with a capacity to produce 1 400 sanitary pads daily, which are washable to suit the needs of school going children.

Kefas further highlights that, Eco-Sanitary Trading has a competitive advantage due to the fact that its product is locally produced, of good quality, affordable, has better absorption and provides dryness.The ISO 9001 machine used to produce the reusable pads was acquired towards the end of 2018, from own resources and with assistance from the Development Bank of Namibia and also through grants. At the launch of the production plant recently, Kefas thanked Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, as some

of the funding for the plant came through the fishing rights awarded to the company she founded known as Cassidra Fisheries.

At the sanitary wear production plant Kefas

hopes that within a year of full production

capacity, 45 people could be employed and double shifts might be required when demand exceeds supply, which

will further raise employment to about

95 employees.


Hon. Tjekero Tweya with the employees of Eco-Sanitary Nam

“This is an amazing initiative to be embraced by all Namibians, as a way of achieving the Harambee Prosperity Plan and NDP 5 goal. The support can come in various ways such as, procurement of local products, retailers stocking our products and for the ministries and corporates getting involved in our outreach programmes,” Kefas says.

Speaking at the factory launch Minister of Trade, Industrialisation and SME Development, Hon. Tjekero Tweya, said it was a remarkable breakthrough to see a Namibian business producing commodities, such as these for local consumption, and most importantly, for the bigger export markets.

“We should look at the more cost benefit in terms of job creation, as well as the cash that will be circulating once the production is in operation,” Tweya said, adding that apart from the jobs created from Eco-Sanitary Trading, the product

will also be distributed countrywide to retail businesses.

Hon. Tweya, further encouraged the

business community to play its part in

helping people from underprivileged

backgrounds, through donations of the

sanitary pads and not just stocking their retail

shops.The initiative by Eco Sanitary follows Education Minister, Hon. Katrina Hanse-

Himarwa’s project launched in 2017, which is aimed at helping more than 5,000 girls from low-income households to access sanitary wear every month.

Hon. Hanse-Himarwa said, the struggle to afford sanitary protection was a reality among the less privileged Namibians, adding that studies had shown that if a girl is provided with sanitary towels, her chances of staying in school are 30 percent to 50 percent higher.

“Although not widely reported, this problem can impact negatively on a girl’s confidence and concentration levels at school, and even drop out all together,” Hon. Hanse-Himarwa said.

Education statistics show that, over 2,200 children dropped out of school in one year, with the highest number being girls from rural areas, as a result of long distances to schools, illnesses, pregnancies and disabilities.


One of the production lines at the Otjiwarongo-based Fabupharm pharmaceutical company

Fabupharm bolsters pharmaceutical manufacturing

Fabupharm, Namibia’s only pharmaceutical manufacturer, has continued to grow steadily and will

this year target increased exports and extend services to new markets such as Zambia and West Africa.

Speaking to Invest Namibia Journal, the Otjiwarongo-based firm’s Chief Operating Officer, Fanie Badenhorst (Junior) highlighted that although Fabupharm exports increased significantly including exports to Swaziland, Botswana, Mozambique, Angola and Ghana in 2018, the firms’ public sector growth has declined.

“Locally we had a 9% growth in private market, but 35% decline in public sector. Our growth in private market was mostly from new products developed. In total Fabupharm will hopefully end at negative 8.75%, that I do not see so bad under Namibia’s economic situation.

“For 2019, Fabupharm will move more focus on export. We have

the advantage of strategically being

closer to West African markets than the far- east suppliers. We are also closer to Angola

and Zambia than South-Africa,” he said.

As a growth strategy that will help increase visibility of Namibian products beyond borders, Fabupharm has registered its products in neighbouring countries like Swaziland, Lesotho, Botswana, Mozambique and Mauritius.

In 2016, the company partnered with EOS Capital, a major equity firm in Namibia. The capital injection obtained from the partnership allowed Fabupharm to expand its operations and manufacture a wider product range. Improved facilities and equipment also meant the company can export and potentially expand its market share across Africa.

“The investment EOS Capital made enabled us to buy new equipment and expand our product ranges. We also upgraded the facility to comply more for export markets,” Badenhorst affirmed.

As a result of the newly acquired equipment and improved facilities, the company introduced a number of new products to the private and public market. The new products included antibiotic tablets, called Fabu-Azithromycin 500mg, Suplimax Study Aid, Suplimax Heart Care, Suplimax Urinary Care & Blood purifier and Suplimax Cholesterol Care. Fabupharm


Fabupharm will look to expand its product portfolio this year

also introduced the Desert Sun Spray range in SPF 30 and SPF 50, and the Ideal Baby product line.

According to a research report by Frost & Sullivan, the pharmaceutical market in Africa is expected to reach a business opportunity of US$45 billion in 2020, propelled by a convergence of changing economic profiles, rapid urbanisation, increased healthcare spending and investment, and rising incidence of chronic lifestyle diseases. Considering the research results, it is well worth noting that Fabupharm’s growth potential remains intact.

Badenhorst further revealed, that Fabupharm was working to release three new products in the market, which include generic products that will be manufactured locally.“There are three new products that will be on the market soon. These are the MVA plus tablets (Multivitamin, mineral, antioxidant and probiotics combination

tablet), the VitaKidz immune booster syrup for children and Suplimax Moringa Tablets.

“Furthermore we are in the process of trying to get some generic products registered at the Namibia Medicine Control Council, that we will also locally manufacture,” Badenhorst noted.

Notably, two years ago Fabupharm registered its first antibiotic as a tablet in Namibia, and subsequently signed an agreement with an international medical company, to distribute and deliver the product to all physicians and pharmacies in the country. In a few years to come, Fabupharm may start manufacturing the antibiotic tablets by itself. It hopes to export the product to other African countries in the near future.

“Our biggest challenge is that we must compete on our own local market against foreign products, which are being imported in bulk and then repackaged into local company brand names. There are

also foreign private label manufacturers using Namibian brand names,” Badenhorst stated in view of factors that are influencing growth in the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector locally.

Fabupharm uses the latest technology and appoints the best employees, ensuring compliance with the Namibian Medical Regulatory Commission’s (NMRC) standards and requirements. The NMRC issued the Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) license to Fabupharm in 2014. Obtaining a GMP license means Fabupharm conforms to stringent World Health Organisation (WHO) standards, which are required to manufacture pharmaceutical products.

“Fabupharm has the potential to uplift the profile of the Namibian manufacturing sector, which has been dominated by international players for so long,” EOS Capital Executive Chairman, Johannes !Gawaxab said after signing a partnership agreement with Fabupharm.


Retail Charter pushes consumption of Namibian products

The implementation of the Namibian Retail Charter has so far exceeded its 20% shelving

target for local products, and more products were being looked at with the view to get them into the retail chains.

Whilst growth in the retail sector was a key feature of the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP4),

which targeted a 20% increase in the shelving of

Namibian products on retail shelves.

The Retail Charter was formulated as a blueprint that will allow Namibia to have a realistic chance of achieving this goal, and provide a positive turning point to the nation’s quest for ‘Growth at Home’.

Speaking to Invest Namibia Journal, Sharlene Isaacs, Communication and Liaison Officer at the Namibia Trade Forum, said the implementation of the charter had exceeded NTF’s expectations, and that more sectors were now being targeted to bring more local products to the retail chains.

“Initially we had a target to put 20% of Namibian products in the retail chains but we have exceeded that and we have added another 15% and so now we are on 35%.

The retail charter has afforded Namibian products shelf life in retail outlets


“We are also now in the process of trying to get clothing in the retail stores. We are negotiating with the retail association for clothing and apparel sector,” Isaacs said.

The charter entails aspects such as

sourcing from local manufacturers,

increased awareness and demand for local goods, training and

mentoring of previously disadvantaged

Namibians, support programmes for Small

and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), as well as

opportunities for local ownership and control.

Isaacs added that the Retail Charter will achieve majority of its goals, as awareness exists in most big retailers, who are buying into the policy.

“Our partners on a regional level as well, are also looking to source from the region, which makes it much easier and cheaper further aiding us. The policy is progressing well and to further make it vibrant we are now working on our barcode that will assist our local products to a greater deal.”“The voluntary nature of the Retail Charter has afforded some local products to be shelved, however it is a process that takes a while. It being a voluntary charter, I must say that the industry and the private sector in particular has really supported us since inception. They drove the charter and without them, I don’t think it would have made any progress. They had to put ideas together, to see how they can equip some of our SMEs and source from them,” explained Isaacs.

Some South African retailers supplying products to Namibia, have been abiding by the Retail Charter even though it is a voluntary exercise.

In 2018, Mark Godfrey, group financial director at Spar highlighted that, independent retailers connected with Spar are able to source up to 70% of their product requirements from local suppliers or manufacturers in Namibia.

Spar’s sourcing is done by the group’s Namibian buying office in Windhoek.“Suppliers see them on a regular basis and

discuss retail product requirements for the stores in Namibia,” Godfrey said.“Trading arrangements are negotiated on behalf of our retailers and, once in place, retailers are encouraged to support them by placing orders directly with these suppliers for direct delivery.”

“Spar manages the financial administration on behalf of the retailers, thereby also giving the suppliers further financial security of payment,” added Godfrey.

Pick n Pay, which has 38 stores in Namibia, has franchise partners that actively seek out Namibian products. “Our franchise MD in Namibia is the chairman of the Retail Charter Council and we work constructively with government and communities, wherever we operate,” said David North, group executive for strategy and corporate affairs.

North said that in Namibia, Pick n Pay buys as much local products, as it can obtain particularly meat, fruit and vegetables.

In trying to get more Namibian products on the shelves, Isaacs also highlighted that the current challenge is that production costs in Namibia are very high. Even though Namibia has some products on the shelves, these products are priced higher due to the high cost of production inputs.


Developing Namibia brick by brick

In 2015, Standard Bank in collaboration with the Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia answered the national call to provide decent housing to families in the low-to-no income group, an

initiative that has so far seen over 400 families benefiting.

This important national project has not only given hope of a better future to these families who lacked adequate finance to buy or rent houses, but it has also made some strides in finding a viable and lasting solution to the housing shortage in the country.Lack of decent housing continues to be one of the most contentious issues in Namibia with the national housing backlog estimated at more than 100,000, a number which continues to grow by 3700 every year.

During its first year, the Buy-A-Brick initiative raised an impressive N$1.4 million, which was used to build 44 homes in Rehoboth for members of the federation. The following year, N$2 million was raised and used to build houses in Berseba, Otjinene and Havana in Windhoek.

So far, together with donations from partners and the broader Namibian public, Standard Bank and the Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia have managed to raise over N$17.1 million, including N$10 million that was jointly sponsored by MTC and Huawei last November.

Through this sponsorship, an additional 250 houses will be constructed with each house

receiving a router, making connectivity a reality for families that have only dreamt of connecting to

the outside world.This unprecedented contribution by MTC and Huawei is evidence that efforts by Standard Bank Namibia and the Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia in raising public consciousness about the plight of the poor, as it pertains to the provision of decent basic housing, is bearing fruit.

Through the Buy-A-Brick initiative, Standard Bank and the Shack Dwellers Federation not only raise money or receive donations from the public and the corporate world, but also looks at raising awareness about the need to provide support to this well organised and managed organisation responsible for facilitating

Magreth Mengo, Head of Marketing, Communications and CSI


the provision of affordable housing to more Namibians.

Standard Bank, the Shack Dwellers Federation and other corporate partners are brick by brick improving the living conditions of communities as well as driving the growth of Namibia through housing.

Plans are in place to delineate the initiative from the bank to allow for more corporate participation. In this regard, a Buy-A Brick steering committee would soon be established with a view to mobilise funds and finding alternative building methods that would help in reducing the cost of

building and the duration of construction.“Since 2015, when we first launched the Buy-a-Brick Initiative, very few people would have predicted that this project would evolve into this national initiative that is now making a significant difference in the lives of many ordinary Namibians,” Magreth Mengo Head of Marketing, Communications and CSI said.

She said the positive response received thus far from the corporate

world led by MTC,

Huawei and others is an indication that

they would like to take this initiative further through joint efforts.

“It is also a realisation that housing plays an integral role in the development of Namibia.

No country can claim to be moving forward when the vast majority of its citizens continue to live in shacks,” Mengo added.

Some Buy-a-Brick houses nearing completion


This is the beginning of hope. The promise of shelter,

warmth and safety.

This is your chance to contribute to a better Namibia.

This is not a brick

The Standard Bank Buy-a-Brick initiative contributes funds to the Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia in order to provide brick homes for thousands of low- to no-income Namibians, and erase shacks from the country.

You can donate with just N$5.

Send a Direct Deposit to Standard Bank Buy a Brick, Acc. No.: 60001469613.



Pick n Pay Namibia embraces technology, launches online service

Pick n Pay (PnP) Namibia, a subsidiary of the Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group has launched its online store, which

will enable consumers to shop from the comfort of their homes.

The PnP Namibia Online Store commenced its pilot phase in October

2018, to test the site and its compatibility. The store has since

then already accrued more than 600 online

customers.

PnP Namibia Managing Director, Norbert Wurm, stressed on the fast evolving digital world, and that embracing and forming part of the evolution is the only way to avoid being left behind.

“One very noticeable and rapidly growing aspect of the digital sphere, is online shopping which is slowly but surely also enjoying steady growth in Namibia. Digital transformation has played a significant role in keeping the O&L purpose alive, and stimulating our vision of being the most progressive and inspiring company.

While more still needs to be done to embrace this new and exciting era of communication, we are inspired by the group’s communication that has adapted to, and embraced digitalization which is evident in the number of key

appointments to drive this movement,” said Wurm.

PnP Namibia Marketing Manager, Victoria Moller said the online service was met with great excitement during its pilot phase, and has since gone viral.

International customers cash in

“We even have customers from overseas that makes use of the PnP Namibia online store to purchase groceries and have it delivered to their families here in Windhoek. Online shopping is definitely the future in Namibia. It offers our customers the convenience of shopping from their home or office and basically gives you more time for things more important,” Moller said.

FOUNDERS: Naftal Shailemo, Richard Chambula and Sacky Amutenya (co-founders of Buy Online Namibia)


The founders of the online service providers are four young Namibians that identified the need to take shopping to the next level in Namibia. Sacky Amutenya, first created the service in early 2015, which went live in May later that year. In June 2016, he was joined by Iyaloo Nekundi, Richard Chambula, and Naftal Shailemo, and together they created the company, Four Clicks E-Commerce Trading as Buy Online Namibia.

“The journey of Buy Online Namibia was not easy, we had many challenges that faced us on this path of shaping the service, but we made it. And after knocking on several retailers’ doors to get on board and make use of our service, PnP Namibia was the first retailer that embraced our idea and decided to take us up on the challenge. PnP Namibia’s support and acquiring of our service brings hope to Business Namibia, and especially to local entrepreneurs,” said an elated Amutenya. Wurm said PnP Namibia, and the O&L Group as a whole, was committed

to supporting local businesses in contribution to building the Namibian economy and ‘Growth at Home’.

“PnP Namibia firmly believes in, and lives the O&L purpose of ‘Creating a future, enhancing life’. Part of how we achieve this is through supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs, and to give them access to the markets by either listing their products and services with PnP or by joining forces, to provide Namibians with new and innovative initiatives such as the

PnP Online store,” he said.

Currently the PnP Namibia online store service at www.buyonline.com.na is only available in Windhoek. However, according to Moller, plans are to expand it to other parts of Namibia. The online store presently offers over 1300 products while the rest of the list is being upgraded. The prices on the site are the same as prices in-store. Customers only pay an extra delivery fee that is based on their location in, and around Windhoek.


Kevin van den Nieuwenhuijzen, representative of the Shareholders of Desert Fruit, receives the award from H.H. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Tolerance of UAE and President of the Awards Board of Trustees

Desert Fruit Namibia scoops UAE Khalifa Award

Desert Fruit Namibia (DFN) has been awarded a Khalifa award, namely the award for pioneering

development and production.

The award, which DFN shares with SAHAM Agriculture of Morocco, recognises Desert Fruit Namibia for its invaluable contribution to the Date agricultural sector, with special emphasis on the high quality, tonnage and variety that Desert Fruit produces and the fact that all of this is achieved in the Southern Hemisphere.

According to H.H. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Tolerance and President of the Award’s Board of Trustees, the Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation has been established in recognition of the outstanding efforts and contributions made by both individuals and institutions in the field of agricultural innovation and date palm and to encourage and motivate them to exert further efforts

towards upgrading the agricultural sector and date palm tree.

Managing Director of DFN, Seth Holmes was delighted and humbled by the award and enthused: “We are proud of work done by DFN and the recognition for the company and Namibia as a whole. This international reward highlights our efforts of planting, harvesting and exporting dates as well as the work we do in the community. Desert Fruit has also been recognised as a contributor to the local community and plays an active role in the community of Ariamsvlei, and the community of the farm, focusing on the health, safety and education of our people.”

Desert Fruit Namibia is distinctly positioned

to provide dates to

the market in a unique window when the

traditional northern Hemisphere producers are out of production. Desert Fruit harvests

date from late January to the end of April providing a steady stream of fresh and

naturally dried dates to the international

market.

Advances in Varietals which are only grown by a select few growers in the Southern Hemisphere add to the attraction of the DFN product.


National air carrier, Air Namibia, has joined forces with the province of KwaZulu-Natal, in neighbouring

South Africa, to promote reciprocal tourism between the two countries.

Air Namibia launched flights between Windhoek and Durban (South Africa), via Gaborone (Botswana) in October 2016, following a comprehensive route network development review done. The route was initially operated using the Embraer Jet (ERJ135) aircraft with 37 economy seats and with four flights per week.

However, barely six months after introducing the Windhoek-Gaborone-Durban route, Air Namibia increased capacity to 112 seats, using the Airbus A319, due to increased demand.

Air Namibia further increased flight

frequencies to six times a week on the

Windhoek–Gaborone–Durban route effective

25 September 2018, and to seven flights

per week effective 28 October 2018.

Realising the potential that the increase in the frequency and number of flights has for the promotion of tourism between Windhoek and Durban, authorities from the Zulu Kingdom have stepped up their campaign to lure more leisure and business travellers to KZN. While, Air Namibia wants to see more leisure travellers from that province visiting Namibia’s tourist attractions.

The two entities have now teamed up and have roped in a number of travel agencies, to work on tourism packages for Namibian

and South African travellers.

“The Zulu Kingdom has a lot to offer to the Namibian business and leisure traveller. Namibia on the other hand also has a lot to offer the South African business and leisure traveller. That’s why we have teamed up with Air Namibia to promote tourism in our destinations,” said Minenhle Mhlongo, Tourism KwaZulu-Natal Regional Coordinator for Africa, during a promotional tour to Namibia at the end of February 2019.

Juanita Klassen, Air Namibia’s Manager for

General Sales Agents (GSA) and Offline Markets said the airline’s increment in capacity for the Durban route, will meet the growing demand of passengers flying with Air Namibia.

“We thank all our loyal industry stakeholders, including the tour operators, travel agents and the flying public for supporting the Namibia national airline. Air Namibia continues to create easy access to the Land of the Brave; positively contributing to our business growth and increasing our footprint on the African Continent and beyond,” she said.

Air Namibia teams up with KwaZulu-Natal to promote reciprocal tourism

Juanita Klassen, Air Namibia’s Manager for General Sales Agents, Minenhle Mhlongo, Tourism KwaZulu-Natal Regional Coordinator for Africa, and Air Namibia Marketing Executive

Hellena Kapiya-Nathinge


Mayor of Walvis Bay, Alderman Immanuel Wilfried (left), with NBL MD Wessie van der Westhuizen after unveiling the plaque to officially open the new depot

Namibia Breweries invests in new depot at the Coast

Namibia Breweries Limited (NBL), a subsidiary of the Ohlthaver & List Group (O&L), has invested

N$27 million in the construction of new distribution depot at Walvis Bay. The new depot, which was officially opened on 6 February 2019, will service the central coastal areas.

NBL Managing Director, Wessie van der Westhuizen, said the new depot was a manifestation of the brewery’s vision of being the most progressive and inspiring company in Namibia.

“The relocation of the former coastal depot from Swakopmund to Walvis Bay speaks directly to our passion and commitment of ‘creating amazing experiences with enduring impact’ for our customers. The

deteriorating condition of the former depot in Swakopmund resulted in safety concerns, and posed major health and safety risks for our employees, customers and clients. This thus led us to identifying a new location, and ultimately the construction of this beautiful new facility,” said van der Westhuizen.

The property that was used in Swakopmund for NBL distribution services used to serve as the Old Hansa Breweries until 2003 when the facility was closed. After which NBL continued to use it for warehousing, administration and distribution services. Van der Westhuizen expressed excitement and pride over the new depot, saying that employees can now enjoy a pleasant and safe working environment.

“Health and safety precautions are critical

to the future of any organization. These are elements that should

be taken seriously and nurtured through appreciation for both

the employee and the customer, for our

employees are our most valued assets,” said van

der Westhuizen.


Walvis Bay Mayor, Alderman Immanuel Wilfried, who officially launched the new NBL depot, spoke highly of the positive impact NBL and the O&L Group makes on the Namibian people and the economy.

“In total, NBL employs close to 800 Namibians, while the O&L Group at large has a total employment of more than 6000 employees. This speaks volumes with regards to the contribution the O&L Group at large, and NBL in particular makes to the

Namibian economy. This would include job creation, empowerment of our people, upliftment of our communities, as well as the general growth of our economy,” Mayor Wilfried said.

The Mayor further encouraged Private Public Partnerships (PPP), to collaborate in order to combat the social and economic challenges of the country.“Therefore the O&L purpose ‘Creating a future, enhancing life’ resonates very

well as it is a constant reminder of the responsibility that lies with each, and every one of us to own the fight against poverty. We need to commit ourselves to the growth of our nation, not only through words, but very consistently through practical actions.

The new depot is a significant contribution to development and investment at the Namibian coast,” Alderman Wilfried concluded.

His Worship, the Mayor Alderman Immanuel Wilfried and NBL MD Wessie van der Westhuizen having a toast to the new NBL coastal depot.

Walvis Bay Mayor Immanuel Wilfried pouring the first beer at the new NBL coastal depot.

NBL’s new coastal depot officially opened

F.L.T.R - Hennie van der Merwe, Project Engineer of the new NBL Coastal Depot; Mayor Immanuel Wilfried; NBL MD Wessie van der Westhuizen, and

chairperson of the Erongo Regional Council, Hafeni Ndemula.


Pick n Pay’s environmentally-friendly N$5 bag

Pick n Pay strides towards environmental friendliness

Environmentally conscious shoppers will be glad to note that retail chain, Pick n Pay (PnP) Namibia is on the

verge of trialling an environmentally-friendly N$5 bag, as an affordable reusable alternative to plastic carrier bags among a host of innovative initiatives aimed at increasing environmental friendliness.

The new budget bag is made from green recycled plastic bottles, and has already been introduced in the South African retail chain store to gauge customer reaction. The retailer introduced a reusable bag in 2003 and has since offered shoppers a number of alternatives, including cotton bags.

Speaking to the Journal, PnP Namibia Marketing Manager Victoria Moller said that these developments speak directly to the vision matrix of the O&L Group, of which PnP is a subsidiary of reducing its carbon footprint.

“It also speaks to PnP Namibia’s dedication

to preserving the Namibian environment

and contributing to a better future of the

planet, for generations to come,” Moller said.

There has been overwhelming feedback to date with the bags set to be availed in Namibia, Moller stated.

“Launched in five stores across the Western Cape in South Africa at the end of December 2018, overwhelmingly positive feedback from customers will see PnP expand the trial to include more

stores across the region, Durban North Hypermarket, as well as five stores in Namibia,” she said. Around five trillion pieces of plastic are believed to be floating around the world’s oceans. Experts fear that the total weight of plastic in our oceans could outweigh fish by 2050.

In June, the PnP franchise announced focused initiatives to reduce plastic waste across our operations, including the introduction of 100 percent recyclable plastic bags. The replacement of plastic straws with paper straws, reducing the plastic packaging in a range of own-brand products, and providing free plastic collection from online customers.

PnP has also introduced recycled material in a range of its own-brand products. Containers of dishwashing liquids and all-purpose cleaners now include a minimum of 25 percent recycled material, while


carbonated soft drink bottles include a minimum of 20 percent recycled material.

The plastic punnets used in the packaging of fresh fruit and vegetables, contain a minimum of 25 percent recycled material and the use thereof will be rolled out to more categories.

Asked whether PnP Namibia intends to have the reusable bags manufactured in Namibia, Moller noted that with the manner in which the group supports local manufacturers, it would be something worth exploring.

“This is something we will look into going forward, as it would be really great if we could have a local entrepreneur taking the lead to produce the bags locally. PnP and the O&L Group supports local producers, manufacturers and service providers, and would support local provided they meet our standards and requirements,” Moller said.

PnP plans to introduce its own-brand cotton buds where the plastic inners will be replaced with paper. A bamboo toothbrush will be included in the toiletries range, to provide customers with wider choice.

Furthermore, plastic straws will no longer be provided at checkouts in any of its stores. These will be replaced with paper straws which will only be available at the cold drink kiosks.

“Pick n Pay is committed to working closely

with its customers to trial various options in an effort to drive real, long-term sustainable change, both for the environment and its

customers,” said Moller, before adding that the

fruit and vegetable bags are durable, long-lasting and easy to use, and if it gets dirty, it can

be washed. Last year, the Namibia Recycle Forum (RNF) intensified its quest to improve

waste management, and recycling systems to tackle environmental issues with the launch of the country’s very first ‘Green Directory’.

The on-line directory reflects not only manufacturers and suppliers of green or environmental related products and services in the country, but also lists organisations, that have a vested interest in promoting or offer environmentally friendly practices.

Coordinator of the RNF, Anita Witt, said at the time that the need for such a central information service was clear, given the number of enquiries received by the organisation.

“Although originally intended only for the waste management industry, the increasing trend of environmental consciousness on so many levels, by not only individuals but also the corporate sector, resulted in the decision to expand the categories to include a larger variety of services and products,” she said.

The world is moving towards the eradication of disposable plastic shopping bags



Vision 2030 Agenda under spotlight at MITSMED strategic planning workshop

The Ministry of Industrialisation, Trade and SME Development (MITSMED) held its Ministerial Strategic

Workshop on 7 and 8 March 2019, highlighted the ministry’s crucial role in spearheading Namibia’s industrialisation and economic development.

Discussions at the two-day workshop focused on the goals of Vision 2030, with the aim of intensifying all efforts to concretise Namibia’s main goal to become a fully industrialised and knowledge-based society by 2030.

To realise this goal, MITSMED has taken cognizance of the need to increasingly work in tandem with other Ministries, Offices and Agencies within Government. The synergies forged between MITSMED, the private sector and development partners need to be strengthened so that the objectives of Vision 2030 can be realised.

During the Strategic Workshop, MITSMED

Commercial Counsellors abroad (Addis Ababa,

Berlin, Brussels, Geneva, New Delhi, Luanda, Paris, Pretoria and Washington)

provided an update on their roles in driving trade

and investment promotion.

MITSMED regional representatives in the country also shared experiences and the need to rededicate efforts in empowering SMEs, to enable small businesses to grow and make meaningful contribution to the economy.

The Directorate of International Trade reassured participants, that Namibia remains committed to regional, continental and multilateral economic integration, trade facilitation processes and arrangements through SACU, SADC, the AU, ACP and the WTO.

In her closing remarks, MITSMED Deputy Minister, Hon. Lucia Iipumbu, highlighted the importance of teamwork among ministerial staff members.

“You as an individual should not be a weak link and collectively may MITSMED not be the weak link in our quest for Namibia’s development,” she said.

A group photo of workshop participants


Republic of Namibia

MINISTRY OF INDUSTRIALISATION, TRADE AND SME DEVELOPMENT

Contact PersonMs Bernadette Menyah-Artivor

Deputy Executive DirectorTel +264 61 283 7335


Contact PersonMs. Maria Pogisho

DirectorTel +264 61 283 7239


Contact Person Ms. Hermine Himarua

Acting DirectorTel: +264 61 283 7204


Contact PersonMs Patricia Liswaniso

Acting DirectorTel +264 61 283 7297


DEPARTMENTAL BRIEF DESCRIPTION

The purpose of this insert is to introduce to you the three departments of the Ministry of Industrialisation, Trade and SME Development, briefly describing their different roles and services offered. The Ministry has three directorates and one department here with below:

1. DIRECTORATE OF NAMIBIA INVESTMENT CENTRENamibia Investment Centre (NIC) is the country’s official investment promotion agency and first port of call for investors. Created under the Foreign Investment Act of 1990, the NIC is a department within the Ministry of Industrialisation, Trade and SME Development. The overall objective of the centre is to attract, generate and retain both domestic and foreign investment to stimulate economic growth and expedite industrial transformation in Namibia in line with national development objectives. In addition, the centre is responsible of creating policies and strategies conducive to investment.

NIC offers a variety of services to existing and potential investors, including the provision of information on incentives, investment opportunities and the country’s regulatory regime. It is closely linked to key ministries and stakeholders, and can therefore help minimise bureaucratic obstacles to pre and post business establishment.

NIC has overseas investment promotion representatives in strategic located countries such as France (Paris), Germany (Berlin), India (New Delhi), South Africa (Pretoria) and USA (Washington D.C.)

2. DIRECTORATE OF INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENTThe Directorate of Industrial Development is responsible for evaluating and appraising industrial projects. It renders business support services to entrepreneurs such as feasibility studies, business plans, Equipment Aid, Research and surveys of potential development areas and renders support and advice to potential developers and investors. The Directorate is also engaged in the production of industrial statistics, and conducts regular censuses of the manufacturing sector.

3. DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND COMMERCEThe Department of Trade and Commerce is responsible for national policies and programmes geared towards the management, regulation, promotion, development and facilitation of internal trade, commercial and business activities.

The department also deals with international trade activities such as bilateral, regional and multilateral trade agreements. The department has representative commercial offices in countries such as Angola (Luanda), Ethiopia (Addis Ababa), Switzerland (Geneva) and Belgium (Brussels)

4. DIRECTORATE OF GENERAL SERVICESThis directorate is responsible for the rendering of supportive services to the Ministry’s directorates and departments. Its objective is to provide efficient management and utilisation of human, financial and material resources allocated to the Ministry for the achievement Ministerial goals.

It’s also the directorate responsible for the procurement of goods and services required for the effective operation and functioning of the Ministry and the proper disposal thereof.

Contact PersonDr. Michael Humavindu

Deputy Executive DirectorTel +264 61 283 7328

[email protected]


COMMERCIAL COUNSELLORS

E-mail: [email protected]: [email protected]

Mr. Henock Ramakhutla | Commercial Counsellor

High Commission of the Republic of Namibia186 Blackwood Street, ArcadiaP.O. Box 29806, Sunnyside, 0132, Pretoria SOUTH AFRICAPhone: +27 12 343 3060 Fax: +27 12 343 8924Email: [email protected] www.namibia.org.za

Dr. Mekondjo Kaapanda-Girnus | Commercial Counsellor

Embassy of the Republic of NamibiaReichsstraße 1714052 BerlinGERMANYTel +49 30 26 39 0012 Fax +49 30 25 40 9555Email: [email protected] www.invest-namibia.de

Mr. Oscar Sikanda | Commercial Counsellor

High Commission of the Republic of NamibiaB-9/6 Vasant ViharNew DelhiINDIATel: +91 11 26140389/40890/4772Fax: +91 11 26146120/261 55482E-mail: [email protected] Email: [email protected] www.nhcdelhi.com

Ms. Julia Mungunda | Commercial Counsellor

Embassy of the Republic of NamibiaRua da Liberdade No. 20 Vila Alice P.O. Box 953 LUANDAANGOLA Tel.: +244-222 321 241 / 321 952 / 136 Fax: +244 - 222 322 008 / 323 848 E-mail: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

C O N T A C T D E T A I L SRepublic of Namibia

Mr. Asser Nashikaku | Commercial Counsellor

Embassy of the Republic of Namibia Bole road W.17, Kebel 19House No. 002 P.O. Box 1443 ADDIS ABABAETHIOPIA Tel.: +2511-1-6611966/12120Fax: +2511-1-6612677Email: [email protected]: [email protected] Mrs. Bonaventura Hinda | Commercial Counsellor

Embassy of the Republic of Namibia42, rue Boileau 75016, ParisFRANCETel: + 33 1 44 17 32 76/65 Fax: + 33 1 44 17 32 73Email: [email protected]

Mr. Cleopas S. Sirongo | Commercial Counsellor

Permanent Mission of Namibia to the United Nations in Geneva Chemin Louis-Dunant 15, CH-1202 GENEVASWITZERLANDTel.: +41 22 786 62 82 Fax: +41 22 786 62 83Email: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]

Ms. Diana Tjiposa | Commercial Counsellor

Embassy of the Republic of NamibiaAvenue de Tervuren 454BE 1150 BRUSSELSBELGIUMTel.: +32-2-771 1410 Fax: +32-2-771 9689E-mail: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

Mr. Freddie U. !Gaoseb | Commercial Counsellor

Embassy of the Republic of Namibia1605 New Hampshire Ave.,NW, Washington, DC 20009UNITED SATES OF AMERICATel.: +1-202-986-2007 Fax: +1-202-986-2042


THE SADC MALL

Democratic Republic of Congo66 million customers

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South Africa49.3 millioncustomers

Botswana1.95 millioncustomers

Zambia12.9 millioncustomers

Zimbabwe12.5 millioncustomers

Tanzania43.7 millioncustomers

Mozambique22.9 millioncustomersMalawi

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WBCG ZambiaT. +260 21 129 4494E. [email protected]

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WBCG DRCT. +322 386 5109E. [email protected]

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Documents

CELEBRATING 2019_low res...Celebrating 29 Years of Economic Transformation EDITORIAL W elcome to the 5th edition of our growing publication, Invest Namibia Journal (INJ), as we celebrate