Namibia should benefit more from its natural resources – Nida 

Namibia Industrial Development Agency (Nida) chief executive   Richwell Lukonga says Namibia should  benefit more from the country’s natural resources.

“Nida’s main goal is to industrialise Namibia, which will include attracting investment and leading the growth of business, agribusiness and industrial infrastructure,” he says in a statement. 

Lukonga says Nida is working hard to  promote industrialisation and to facilite partnerships with relevant stakeholders, including  the private sector.

“Nida ensures the successful growth and expansion of Namibia’s export processing zones and economic zones, as well as undertaking research generally on matters relating to industry, industry development and productivity,” he says.

He says Nida is focused on public investment promotion and trade facilitation.

Lukonga says economic development remains critical.

“This allows Nida to be responsible for finance-implementing procurement and outsourcing policies and programmes that promote economic empowerment. 

“One such investment involves the expansion of irrigation initiatives at Naute Dam, focusing on dates, table grapes, pomegranates and prickly pears. 

“Located next to Naute Dam, about 45km outside Keetmanshoop in the //Kharas region, this investment includes a packaging facility for table grapes and dates, storage and workshop areas, an administrative building and staff housing,” he says.

Lukonga says the agency is working on the expansion of date production and viable agribusiness at the Eersbegin facility in the Kunene region.

“Nida is seeking investors for feedlot development, fodder and feed cultivation at our facilities at the Kavango Cattle Ranch in the Kavango West. 

“This investment also includes possible biomass production, further enhancing its economic impact,” he says.

 Lukonga says Nida is advancing an agri-business project at Divundu in the Kavango East region, along with special agri-scheme projects, such as the Musese and Shitemo green schemes. 

These projects are expected to create numerous employment opportunities, he says. 

Lukonga says Nida seeks investment in the establishment of a cold storage facility at Walvis Bay.

“This investment is expected to provide significant employment opportunities and accommodate multiple tenants operating independently,” he says.

Nida has additionally acquired industrial and agri-business land for development into viable business ventures, Lukonga says.