Kelp Blue to invest N$3 billion over four years

Kelp Blue, a project that plants seaweed and uses pulp from seaweed to make different products, plans to invest N$3 billion over the next four years to expand its business operations in the country.

Kelp Blue Namibia founder Daniel Hooft says most of the company’s investments come from conviction investors.
“These are investors who are attracted by the fact that we provide returns on multiple levels.

They’re not just financial returns. We call this the four Rs framework: return on inspiration, return on national capital, return on social capital and financial return,” says Hooft.

He says the project brings economic diversification.

“Regardless of the potential projects in the future of oil, hydrogen, etc., the reality today is that diamonds are down. Fishing is continuously also under pressure.

And so, as a town, it’s a fragile area. And we can bring economic diversification,” says Hooft.

Kelp Blue sales and agronomy lead Michael Mwinga says Lüderitz will be having another first for Namibia —an olive oil manufacturing company.

Kelp Blue is currently busy with farming in Lüderitz, and included in the farming is a vineyard and olive plantation.

The olive plant will be used to make olive oil.

“Due to the saltiness of the sand in Lüderitz, farming is difficult. However, by doing it, Kelp Blue aims to build a culture of farming among the residents,” says Mwinga.

Earlier this year, Kelp Blue secured a 15-year commercial licence for cultivating giant kelp across a 6 400-hectare offshore site located at Lüderitz.

Kelp Blue is a Netherlands-based start-up that grows kelp, a fast-growing seaweed,

Kelp Blue Namibia is the Namibian subsidiary of the company, and was awarded the Zayed sustainability prize in the climate action category during COP28.

Currently, the company employs more than 90 people, with 95% being Namibians.

Kelp Blue anticipates employing up to 400 people in Namibia by 2027, maintaining its commitment to diversity and inclusiveness.