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Invest Namibia Journal (INJ) June 2019 Edition
Invest Namibia Journal (INJ) June 2019 Edition
NAMIBIA JOURNAL
VOLUME 2 | ISSUE 2 Enhancing Investment to propel “Growth at Home” JUNE 2019
INVESTMENT
PROMOTION DRIVE
INTENSIFIES
6 16 8
PRESIDENT GEINGOB RUSSIA TO STRENGTHEN US INVESTORS SEEK
COURTS PORTUGUESE NAMIBIA ECONOMIC TIES NAMIBIA OPPORTUNITIES
INVESTORS
26
Namibia to protect lucrative European meat market..................................................... 24-25
Namibia and neighbours push for ivory trade.........................................................................26-27
Special Economic Zones targeted for industrial growth............................................... 30-31
A number of SADC member states are battling to control
large stockpiles of ivory Energy efficiency, innovation to boost industrial competitiveness......................... 32-33
De Beers Marine driven by innovation ……………..………..............……......….34-35
On the Cover
Investment Promotion Drive Intensifies Meatco embraces technology with mobile App ............................................................... 36-37
Namibia’s uranium sector set for upturn.......................................................................................... 39
Publisher
Namibia Investment Centre Free Trade Area shines light on African trade......................................................................... 40-41
Namibia gears for World Expo 2020............................................................................................ 42-43
Editor
Tunga-eumbo Mboti Kombat Copper Mine set for revival with Xinhai investment............................................ 44
Inter-connectivity through road, railway infrastructure development......................... 45
Editorial Committee
Dolly Amoomo Hangana Seafood Invests N$300 million in fish processing plant……...........…….46-47
Tunga-eumbo Mboti Wernhil Mall expansion changes face of Windhoek CBD............................................... 48-49
Tokkie Nchindo
Lwaba Jario Standard Bank ‘I Go’ initiative to boost Namibia–China trade…….......................... 50-51
Andreas Andjene TransNamib rebrands, targets larger market share.................................................................... 52
Tabby Moyo
New seed programme offers opportunity for entrepreneurs............................................. 53
Editorial Contributors Deputy Minister Iipumbu on Germany fact finding mission.............................................. 55
Namibia Investment Centre (NIC), Office of the
President (OP), Namibia Industrial Development MITSMED Departmental briefs and contacts………………......................…………56
Agency (NIDA), James Miller, Gavin Mare, Edith de Commercial Counsellors contact details......................................................................................... 57
Klerk, Ngoni Bopoto and Tabby Moyo
Advertising
Globe Communications Namibia
Distribution
34
Namibia Investment Centre
Printers
Phoenix Welwitschia An illustration of Debmarine’s new diamond vessel AMV3
42
Email: mboti@mti.gov.na P.O. Box 99113, Windhoek, Namibia
Website: http://www.mti.gov.na Telephone: +264 61 247086
Namibia Investment Centre Cell: +264 81 626 0010
NamibiaInvestmentCentre Email: globe@africaonline.com.na
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P
resident Hage G. Geingob led a high- Schlettwein (Finance), Hon. Pohamba Dr Geingob hosted a Namibian investment
powered Government and business Shifeta (Environment & Tourism), Hon. luncheon and a business seminar as part
delegation to Portugal in April as Bernard Esau (Fisheries) and Hon. Obeth of Namibia’s investment promotion drive.
part of ongoing efforts to attract trade Kandjoze (Economic Planning). During the business seminar the President
and investments to Namibia. extended an invitation to Portuguese
investors to form joint ventures with
The President, who was accompanied by a The visit to Portugal Namibian business entities.
number of business leaders and ministers
including Industrialisation, Trade and by the President He said Portuguese investors must
SME Development Minister Hon. Tjekero
Tweya, attended a three-day meeting
and his delegation take advantage of Namibia’s “sound
governance architecture” and invest in the
of international business and political
leaders, the Horasis Global Meeting, held
also sought to build country.
in Cascais, Portugal. The meeting was held investor confidence Following bilateral talks with Portuguese
under the theme ‘Catalysing the Benefits president Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, the
of Globalisation’. and promote Namibia two leaders agreed to boost engagement
across all sectors of the economy in order
The Horasis community is made up of as a country with a to stimulate mutual economic growth.
more than 800 world leaders and is a President Geingob was impressed by the
unique platform for companies from conducive business outcome of his meeting with president
the emerging and developing world to
take their products to the global market.
environment and De Sousa and was positive that economic
ties between the two countries were
Namibia has been requested to host the
global meeting in 2020.
location of choice for destined for a higher level.
to stimulate
growth
and fight
unemployment.”
President Geingob addresses the Horasis Global Meeting
investment-driven activities at the Horasis than it was at independence. bringing harmony into society.”
Global Meeting in Cascais,” said the “We now have direct flights to our
Namibian Head of State. airports from all over the globe; In his capacity as the SADC Chairperson,
the Government has put in a lot of Dr Geingob emphasized the need for
The President said Namibia was investment and effort to try and enable Africa as a whole to strengthen electoral
positioning itself to be a regional hub an economy that can sustain and be a processes and inclusive politics, while
for Southern Africa and thus was an star in the region,” he said. also confronting corruption.
active catalyst proving the benefits of “Africa has to pull together and deal
globalisation. Hon. Schlettwein provided an overall with the challenges of poverty. Africa
financial outlook of the country’s present is a continent of 1,2 billion people and
Hon. Tweya expressed optimism that economy, from the tax systems, basket cannot be ignored or left behind.
the new agreements being entered of goods, financial sector growths,
into would remove non-trade barriers among others. “We are part of a third wave of African
among African nations and facilitate leaders building a governance
commerce. “The financial services sector is architecture of processes, systems and
growing; the secondary sector needs institutions,” the Head of State told
Hon. Esau maintained that Namibia more improvement. The spread for business and political leaders at Cascais.
was a blue economy and that new the financial bonds has not changed
businesses were being opened in the over the last years – that is in spite of Dr Geingob also said that the goal of
fishing industry. He said Government the downgrading of the credit rating an inclusive humanity can be achieved
would like to see more partnerships of the country. We have managed the through building cohesive societies at
and long-term alliances with European economy in a prudent way,” said the national level.
counterparts in the sector. Minister.
“In Namibia, we are building a Namibian
Hon. Kandjoze told the Horasis Global Hon. Shifeta said: “We in Namibia house. I believe in multi-lateralism for
Meeting that Namibia was now very strongly work to reach inclusivity inclusive global governance,” he said.
interconnected with the global world because we believe it is the best way of
Members of the U.S. Trade Mission to Namibia paid a courtesy call on H.E. Dr Hage Geingob at State House
T
he Deputy Minister of Trade,
Industrialisation and SME
Development (MITSMED), Hon.
Lucia Iipumbu, recently made a case for
Namibian products to a group of U.S.
investors who were in the country in
search of business opportunities.
indicate. In 2018 alone, Namibia was the The Deputy Minister explained that the “The country is privileged to have an
United States 133rd largest goods export timely creation of the Namibia Industrial abundance of natural resources that have
market, amounting to US$203 million Development Agency (NIDA) had allowed become drivers of our economy. Therefore,
(about N$2, 8 billion), while Namibia on government to identify new opportunities we also seek to attract investment in
the other hand imported goods worth for value addition through research, value addition and beneficiation of our
US$120 million (N$1, 7 billion), an increase developing key industrial and business resources, and strengthen areas that have
of 0.5% from 2017. infrastructure as well as promoting and the potential to become economic drivers
facilitating trade, investment and the in future,” Hon. Iipumbu further told the
Furthermore, and in view of broadening introduction of new technology. trade forum.
trade relations and markets, in July 2018,
Namibia became the first and the only “The Namibian Government is committed NCCI Chief Executive Officer, Charity
African country to export meat to United to growing the economy that must be Mwiya, advised local entrepreneurs to
States after local premium quality beef inclusive of all and create employment clearly understand business and learn to
was cleared by U.S. authorities as a high for many Namibians, especially the sacrifice money to be successful.
standard product for the health conscious burgeoning youthful populace and as a
Americans. result, industrialisation is featured as one Mwiya said entrepreneurs should have a
of the priority areas within our national strategy in place, engage in partnerships,
At present, through the Meat Corporation development strategies. and avoid entertaining negative criticism
of Namibia (Meatco), Namibia is busy and bureaucracies to ensure the success
establishing a clientele base for that “However, in our ambitions to industrialise of their businesses.
market and exports are believed to start Namibia, innovation along with skills
imminently. and investment should become building Holistically, the MITSMED is charged
blocks incorporated within every business with the responsibility to develop and
“This is indeed a true gesture of strategy in order to make this a reality.,” manage Namibia’s economic regulatory
commitment between our two countries said Hon. Iipumbu. framework, promote economic growth
and we should applaud all efforts that and development. This is done through
made this possible. The exporting of The MITSMED, through its Growth at the formulation and implementation
Namibian beef to the U.S. came at a right Home strategy also continues to place of appropriate policies with the view to
time when Namibia is diversifying its great emphasis on growing the economy attract investment, increase trade, develop
markets,” said Hon. Iipumbu. by propelling value addition of local and expand the country’s industrial base.
produce.
The two leaders paid a visit to the industrial town of Walvis Bay to view NamPort operations and fish processing.
relations and trade with the Namibia Ports countries, therefore, cooperation between our food security in the economic engagements
Authority (NamPort). He said through effective ports will greatly serve as transmission belt for between Guinea and Namibia as Namibia
use of the two countries’ ports, trade would import and exports of commodities between moves to reduce its import bill for agricultural
be enhanced and in the process ensure that our countries,” he said. products.
there is an interface between sub- regions for
the mutual benefit of Africa at large. President Geingob said there is a need to Namibia and Guinea have also been
develop value chains that are based on raw promoting the easing the cross-border
During President Geingob’s state visit to Guinea materials available in the two countries in order movement of Africans within Africa, which
in September 2018, the two countries agreed to diversify the economies. He proposed the President Geingob believes will ensure that
to cooperate closely in the maritime sector identification of areas for investment through skilled and educated citizens of the continent
and port operations to harness opportunities trade missions and networking activities are able to take their knowledge and expertise
from the blue economy for accelerated youth involving private sector representatives. beyond the borders of their countries but
empowerment and employment creation. remain on the continent.
“Most of our neighbours are land-locked Emphasis has been placed on agriculture and
As a retail business owner, you now have the opportunity to become an FNB merchant, acting as
an FNB branch by offering several banking services to our customers. The Introduction of these services will
allow your customer to further benefit from an easier and more convenient shopping experience. Benefits to
your business include less cash on your premises, ensuring a safer environment, and less trips to the
bank. You can register for any of the following services:
The Cash at Till service enables eWallet recipients now no Our CashPlus service is a
customers and businesses longer need to rely only on the convenient way for both FNB
to use their FNB debit card FNB ATM network, but can visit and non-FNB customers to
to withdraw cash with their any participating retailer and deposit and withdraw cash at
purchase at an enabled FNB withdraw or purchase or both, an FNB CashPlus merchant.
point of sale at selected using their eWallet balance. All you need is a cellphone.
merchants. The CashPlus service allows
customers to deposit cash,
withdraw cash and withdraw
from eWallet.
N
amibia and Tanzania have undertaken to speed up the
implementation of bilateral agreements entered into by
the two countries, aimed at establishing cooperation on
trade and investment in various sectors of the economy.
we finalise these things, (ACFTA), to facilitate free movement of goods and services on
the continent.
otherwise we will go “Let us join our efforts and resources to improve the livelihoods
of our people. We should build a partnership for growth and
on talking, but nothing development, focusing on key issues such as agro-processing,
the value-addition of minerals, manufacturing, and logistics,”
happens. We need to move President Magufuli said.
forward, and we need to The Tanzanian leader, who will be assuming the SADC
Chairmanship from Dr Geingob in August this year, urged
Namibia and Tanzania to remove trade barriers between them
move fast. We are delayed, and instead implement preferential trade arrangements.
the progress is not good. “There are many goods and services produced in Namibia that
have a market in Tanzania, and the opposite is true when it
comes to services and goods produced in Tanzania,” he said.
Veterinary Services A media statement issued by the press Interaction between Russia and Africa has
Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi, middle, being taken on a tour of the Walvis Bay port facilities by former NamPort CEO Bisey Uirab.
President Geingob accompanied his Botswana counterpart.
B
otswana President Mokgweetsi port measuring 27 430 square meters NamPort’s N$4 billion container terminal
Masisi says the initiative by Namibia at the cost of US$3 million. Botswana at Walvis Bay is almost complete and is
to offer dry ports to its landlocked also developed its 36 200 square metres scheduled to be commissioned in August,
neighbours is an impressive move that will facility, while Zimbabwe’s 19 000 square 2019.
unlock regional and international trade. metre port has also been completed. Cargo volumes between Botswana and
Namibia have been growing gradually,
President Masisi toured the port of Walvis H.E. Masisi said the visionary move by although Botswana still uses the port of
Bay in April, accompanied by President the Namibian Government to grant Durban, in South Africa, more than Walvis
Hage Geingob, to familiarise himself with neighbours dry ports would go a long Bay.
the operations of the port. He also visited way towards increasing trade among
the Botswana dry port at the harbour African countries, as well as with countries “We have been importing fuel through
town. further beyond. Namibia for years, but we will be exploring
other opportunities to increase cargo
Namibia has enabled Botswana, volumes between the two countries
Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia “I have been most as our dry port is fully operational,” H.E.
and Zimbabwe to set up dry ports at Walvis
Bay. The countries were allocated land as
impressed by the new Masisi said, adding that Botswana and
Namibia were also seriously exploring the
part of consolidating the mutual benefits container terminal construction of a railway line linking the
and bilateral ties between Namibia and two countries.
its neighbours. The dry ports will give development. We will
the Namibia Ports Authority (NamPort)
enough capacity to handle large volumes
certainly utilize it,” the “The possibility (of constructing a cross
border railway link) has been there, the
of cargo which will further enhance the Botswana President opportunity exists even more now with
dream of being a regional logistics hub. the expansion of the Walvis Bay container
Zambia has completed developing its said. terminal, he said.
T
he Namibia Industrial Development Agency (NIDA) is the In addition, the Agency manages 148 industrial estates and
newest State Owned Enterprise (SOE) created under the Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) business parks, with well-
Ministry of Industrialisation, Trade and SME Development developed water and sewer mains as well as lead road, air and
(MITSMED). rail improvements across the country, housing about 1 080
enterprises.
NIDA, which came into existence in 2018, was established in
terms of Act No.16 of 2016, to advance Namibia’s industrialisation NIDA has also set aside adequate industrial land available
agenda in line with the country’s policies and developmental for private sector development in different towns across the
strategies, such as the Growth at Home Strategy, Harambee country, such as in Tsumeb, Otavi, Divundu, Walvis Bay, Karibib,
Prosperity Plan and 5th Namibia Development Plan (NDP5). Okahandja, Opuwo, Witvlei, Otjiwarongo, Omaruru, Oshakati,
Brakwater and Prosperita in Windhoek.
The medium-term core focus of NIDA To support growing agro industries, NIDA reserved ample
is anchored on: employment creation, hectares of land for innovative investments in the agro industry
with a focus in value addition and manufacturing ingenuities
entrepreneurship development, and has set aside arable land for development in various parts
of the country under joint venture models.
investment facilitation and attraction,
export oriented industrial growth, These include: 200 ha at Naute farm for grapes, butternuts and
lucerne; 1,200 ha at Neckartal dam farm for grapes and dates;
import substitution, and youth 30 ha at Eersbegin farm for dates; 1,000 ha at KCR farm for
cultivated pasture; and 2,000 ha at KCR farm for citrus.
empowerment.
With shovel-ready sites, and a trainable and youthful workforce
NIDA currently manages about 280,000 hectares of farmland available in Namibia, NIDA is primed to serve the needs of
spread across six commercial farms whose operations are in climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy, value-addition
compliance with all business and trade regulations as well as and manufacturing clients, investors and promoters and to lead
pesticide requirements including Good Agricultural Practices. Namibia towards industrialisation.
NIDA Mandate
Katima Mulilo
REF: S/RP/NIDA/02/05/2019
The Namibia Industrial Development Agency (NIDA) is soliciting private sector enterprises, natural persons
and/or other commercial legal entities to participate in the tanning of hides and skins by upgrading and
operating the Northern Tannery facility located in Ondangwa (Oshana Region, Namibia). The Northern
Tannery facility, owned by the Ministry of Industrialization, Trade and SME Development, was established
with an objective to tanning cattle hides in order to create employment opportunities, and for the
manufacturing of quality secondary leather products.
NIDA seeks Expression of Interest (EOI) from technically qualified and financially sound private investor(s)
or consortium for undertaking the tannery business, preferably under a Build, Operate and Transfer model.
The prospective operator is expected to capitalize in the Northern Tannery modernization and
standardization for all the necessary upgrades, and commercially operate the tannery in support of the
national hides and skins industry development framework, and the broader value-chains and product
diversification opportunities recognized under the Growth at Home Strategy.
Interested parties can request the EOI Guidelines from procurement@nida.com.na as from Monday
19th May 2019. Viewing of the Northern Tannery facility is strictly by appointment only and not later than
Wednesday 12th June 2019. Responsive EOI, along with supporting and background information about
the technical competence and financial capability to undertake the commercial tannery venture, must be
submitted no later than 11h00 on 30th June 2019 to:
• Namibia Industrial Development Agency
• Procurement Management Unit
• 11 Goethe Street, Windhoek, Namibia
The information should also include the applicants’ complete corporate and legal profile (single entity
and/or consortium); nature of business and experience in the tannery industry and value chains; model of
investment and operation; youth and women empowerment concept; hides and skins marketing and
trade record; audited financial statements for the last three years; and contact details. Namibian legal
entities comprising of predominantly youth and women enterprises are encouraged to apply. Additional
information may be obtained by formal request to procurement@nida.com.na with reference “EOI
Northern Tannery”. The applicant will ensure that their EOI, duly sealed and signed, complete in all respects
as per instructions contained in the EOI Guidelines are dropped in the tender box located at the address
given above on or before the closing date and time indicated, failing which the EOI will be treated as late
and rejected.
While the latest could be seen as another manufacturers all over the world. These The traceability technology allows
measure of enhancing the Meatco customers demand products that are producers to take pride in their animals,
market for premium beef, Meatco’s Board healthy and wholesome. and at the same time makes Meatco’s job
Chairperson, Dr Martha Namundjebo- Traceability refers to the capacity to of marketing beef easier, since clients are
Tilahun last month stated that the identify the origin of beef. It looks beyond assured of the company’s standards.
company was also looking to explore the the label to uncover the story of where the
Guinea market with is premium quality product came from before finally reaching Industry experts are continuously defining
beef. a consumer’s plate. sustainable beef production. This involves
protecting the land, guarding animal
“Given our track record to deliver quality Thanks to pioneering technology, Meatco welfare and conserving natural resources.
meat products internationally, we are provides a great level of traceability
excited about exploring a new market precision and accuracy. Consumers can Traceability helps confirm the genuineness
like Guinea. I am happy to confirm that trace products right back to the original of sustainably-sourced products by
our team is ready to develop this market animal, unequivocally guaranteeing farm- guaranteeing their origin. Through
opportunity through the leadership of to-fork traceability. regular independent audits at every point
His Excellency Dr Hage Geingob and the in the supply chain, Meatco can support
various line ministries,” Dr Namundjebo- Peter Schaepe, one of Meatco’s commercial producers’ claims by confirming origin of
Tilahun said during President of Guinea, producers, says he appreciates the farm- the beef sold to clients.
H.E. Alpha Condè’s visit to the Meatco to-fork principle since it helps farmers
factory. improve their production methods. Traceability also provides Meatco with
fantastic marketing opportunities
“I really like the farm-to-fork principle because consumers are becoming more
Tracing beef from because there is someone, somewhere and more concerned about the inputs
in the country or in the world eating our and practices used to produce food. Thus
farm-to-fork meat, complementing our product. So we the ability to trace meat to its source is an
Meanwhile, Meatco continues to sell know when we are doing something right essential step in sharing this information
beef products to high-end retail outlets, or if we need to improve,” Schaepe says. with consumers.
restaurant chains, processors and
Presidents H.E Masisi (Botswana), H.E Geingob (Namibia), H.E Mnangagwa (Zimbabwe) and H.E Lungu
(Zambia) pictured at the Elephant Summit held in Kasane Botswana
N
amibia and four other southern Ivory sales are currently not allowed without Southern Africa’s Elephant’.
African nations with the world’s approval from the international community
largest elephant population are through the Convention on International Namibia and its neighbours were last
lobbying to be allowed to trade in ivory Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and allowed to auction their ivory stockpile
in order to benefit the people who live Flora (CITES). CITES imposed the ban in 1989 way back in 2008. Through four auctions,
alongside the animals as well as the to reverse a sharp decline in the African conducted under the strict supervision of
economies of these states. elephant population following increased the CITES Secretariat, Namibia, Botswana,
levels of poaching. Obtaining approval from South Africa and Zimbabwe sold the 102
Namibia, alongside Botswana, Zimbabwe, CITES is a tedious and cumbersome process tonnes of ivory to Chinese and Japanese
Zambia and Angola have argued that which most of the countries affected by the accredited traders for a total amount of
conflict between elephants and rural escalating elephant population don’t want US$15, 4 million (over N$223 million at the
farmers was escalating and that the to subject themselves to. current exchange rate).
elephant population needed to be brought
under manageable numbers. The leaders of the five countries converged President Hage G. Geingob, who is also the
at Kasane, Botswana, in May, for the Elephant current Chair of SADC, is leading the regional
The elephant population in Namibia alone Summit to try and find common ground call for controlled legal trade in ivory, noting
increased from 7 500 to 24 000 between towards elephant population management, that there are concerns over the cost and
1995 and 2019, while in Botswana it has maintaining that conflict between security of holding on to large ivory stocks.
surged to 160 000 from 55 000 in 1991. elephants and rural farmers was getting
Zimbabwe has 85 000 elephants when the out of control. The first-of-its-kind summit “Namibia continues to exercise strict
country’s national parks and conservation was convened under the theme ‘Towards control over ivory stocks. However, stocks
areas can only cope with about 50 000. a Common Vision for the Management of continue to accumulate by an average of
Deputy Executive
Director at MITSMED,
Dr Michael
Humavindu, told
Invest Namibia Journal
that the ministry was
in the second phase
of putting together
a comprehensive
framework with
incentives that would
operationalise the SEZ
that are being widely
seen as an improved
replacement of the
Export Processing
Zone (EPZ).
“The Special Economic Zones framework Dr Michael Humavindu, MITSMED Deputy Executive Director
which we took to Cabinet last year for
approval was the first phase in our plan to automotive, jewellery, mineral processing,
set up SEZs that will progress us towards our What is currently clear on the SEZ is that the pharmaceuticals as well as agro-processing
goal of industrialisation. So essentially that eligibility criteria for admission encompass, industries.
first phase was an overall framework which manufacturing and processing activities,
was approved and now we are working greenfield projects, employment creation, In addition to the Growth at Home
on the second phase which is developing value addition, investment value, linkage Strategy, other industries to be targeted
the incentives that will make these zones to the domestic economy, innovation, include tourism, specifically high-end
effective. We are busy working on these profitability, compliance and skills transfer. accommodation facilities. Dr Humavindu
with the Ministry of Finance and we hope to In the event that the applicant is foreign said the EPZ regime was found to be limited
define terms and other key elements so that owned, the amount of equity by Namibians geographically and was also constrained
we get our ducks in a row,” Dr Humavindu in the company should be indicated. The SEZ in markets as it was limited to exports only.
said. has is sight firmly set on the manufacturing, “Special Economic Zones, on the other hand,
Mines and Energy Minister Hon. Tom Alweendo, (middle), UNIDO Representative Khaled El Mekwad (middle to right); and
Dr Claudia Fischer, Charge d’Affaires a.i. of EU Delegation, with delegates who attended the energy conference
N
amibia and fellow Southern African power supply status in the region was
nations have taken first steps in a precarious situation and this called The European Union has rendered
towards boosting their industrial for accelerated efforts in adopting and support to the recently-established SADC
competitiveness through the promotion implementing energy efficiency, as well Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy
of energy efficiency and innovation. as other climate change mitigation and Efficiency (SACREEE) in developing
adaptation measures across all the facets the SADC Industrial Energy Efficiency
Namibia hosted SADC’s first Industrial of our economic sectors. Programme (SIEEP). The programme is
Energy Efficiency Conference in May, designed to assist the SADC industrial
which brought together over 150 regional “The SADC Industrialisation Strategy and sector to become competitive by using
and international experts to take stock of Roadmap (2015-2063) on the one hand, less energy for the same service, or as
the status of industrial energy efficiency, identifies energy as a major barrier, and efficiencies increase even offer additional
share best practices, identify policy on the other as a key enabler for industrial services more effectively, at comparable
recommendations and outline investment competitiveness of the region. It is our quality and quantity of products
prospects. understanding that energy costs are through an enabling environment
significant as they represent about 20- (policy, regulatory, institutional, financial
“Energy efficiency is the most cost- 35% of the production costs of industries frameworks) as well as projects that will
effective way to support industry in in a number of countries in the SADC demonstrate energy savings and the
overcoming barriers in improving their region. This is the trend in all member co-benefits of reduced costs of doing
competitiveness and addressing the countries where the manufacturing business.
effects of climate change. That is why we industry is a significant consumer of
say Energy Efficiency is the First Fuel”, said energy. It is regrettable to note that very Additionally, greenhouse gases (GHG)
Hon. Tom Alweendo, Minister of Mines few improvements in energy conservation emissions, job creation and contribution
and Energy. are taking place largely due to a general to industrialisation in the SADC region
lack of awareness and guiding policy are aimed to be prioritised in the
With recurring and often prolonged frameworks for energy efficiency,” the implementation of SIEEP.
droughts, Hon. Alweendo said the Minister told the conference.
Meatco continues to apply new technologies to ensure that its operations remain efficient
T
he Meat Corporation of Namibia (Meatco) has released
its producer mobile application, the Meatco Go App, a
first of its kind that is set to better manage data collection
and processing to ensure efficiency and accuracy. This comes
at the backdrop of Government’s continued efforts to drive
technology driven growth and service delivery as the country
looks to maximise the benefits of smart technologies.
“All you need to do is to open an The call to digitise the economy is not new.
internet browser either on your At the 5th ICT summit, Information and
phone, tablet or computer and Communication Technology Minister Hon.
type in: mobile.meatco.com. Stanley Simataa said the country needs
na and click on register. In the to make substantial investments in new
email field type in your email technologies to yield significant benefits
address and it is important and encourage the adoption of the latest
that it is the email that we applications to improve accessibility and
have on our internal systems. connectivity.
In other words, the same one
you get the e-news on.
Type in the password “We need to address
you like and click submit
request. You will now the perpetual human
be returned to the
main page. Type in
capacity challenges
your email address we are faced with.
and password and
click login. That is Unless addressed, this
the whole process
involved,” she said. will be a huge drag on
Over the years, Meatco our ability to navigate
has been one of
the organisations
the imminent onset
that focuses on of the 4th Industrial
value addition
to create wealth at Revolution.
home. In its operations and
as is with the App, Meatco has “For our country to avoid remaining on the
made interventions to support periphery of the 4th Industrial Revolution,
Meatco continues to apply new
technologies to ensure that its
value addition, upgrade and we must contemplate a host of policy and
operations remain efficient diversify through a needs-oriented and regulatory interventions that will place us in
comprehensive approach to industrial better stead to harness the benefits of this
development and structural transformation imminent and unavoidable development,”
towards a more productive working cycle the Minister said.
with stakeholders.
T
he 21st of March not only marks Today, Africa is on target to launch the “It has been a momentous year of
Namibia’s independence but also operational phase of the Free Trade hard and smart work to create an
reflects a day in which the agreement Area in July, in Niamey, Niger, where African Continental Free Trade Area
establishing the African Continental Free the continent will hold another Extra- with commercial substance. As we
Trade Area (AfCFTA) came into effect. Ordinary Summit for that purpose, as commemorate the first year of this large
well as formally commemorate its First market space, we do so with concrete
The AfCFTA, which aims to create a Anniversary. During the launch, the achievements. The Free Trade Area is
single continental market for goods and AfCFTA shall be fully supported with already delivering results well before
services with free movement of business well-defined rules of origin; schedules it enters into force. In December 2018,
persons and investments, enters into its of tariff concessions in trade in goods; we held the First Intra-African Trade
operational phase in July, 2019, shining an online continental non-tariff barriers Fair, in Cairo, Egypt, which attracted
light on the future of African trade. monitoring and elimination mechanism; above target exhibitions and business
a Pan-African digital payments and transactions.
This agreement opened for signatures settlement platform as well as an African
on 21st March, 2018 at an Extra-Ordinary Trade Observatory portal. “At the Cairo Fair, we had 1,086 exhibitors,
Summit of the Assembly of African Union 86 above target. We also had business
Heads of State and Government in Kigali, It is envisaged that from July, traders deals over US$32 billion, well above
Rwanda. At that Summit, 44 African across Africa will be able to make use the target of US$25 billion. This sterling
Union Member States signed the historic of preferential trading arrangements achievement signals the potent force of
agreement. The number rose to 49 at offered by AfCFTA as long as the the Intra-African Trade Fair as a viable
the July 2018 Nouakchott, Mauritania trade relations involve the 22 or more platform and brand for trade information
Summit. Three more signatures were countries that would have deposited as well as actual growth of intra-African
added during the February 2019 Addis instruments of ratification. Additionally, trade,” Albert Muchanga, African Union
Ababa Summit, bringing the number to conform to agreed provisions on rules Commissioner for Trade and Industry,
52. of origin governing trade in the African said while reflecting on the milestones of
Continental Free Trade Area. the agreement.
the Continental Free consideration and adoption in July. with the private sector),” Hon. Nandi-
Ndaitwah said.
It is essential to note that in launching
Trade Area. the Free Trade Area and making
N
amibia has kicked off preparations be deputised by Japhet Isaack, Namibia’s
for participation in one of the Ambassador based in Egypt and serving
world’s major expositions, the the entire Arab countries.
World Expo 2020, taking place in the city
of Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from the Ambassador Maruta will set up office
20th October 2020 to 10th April 2021, in Namibia as well as in Dubai, so as to
under the theme: “Connecting Minds, be in the thick of the preparations. His
Creating the Future”. office will report directly to the Minister
of Industrialisation, Trade and SME
Minister of Industrialisation, Trade and Development. He will provide regular
SME Development (MITSMED), Hon. for attracting investment and creating monthly reports on Namibia’s preparation
Tjekero Tweya, says Namibia will focus awareness about what Namibia is able to to the Minister to ensure that the country
on promoting itself at the World Expo offer and deliver. Government recognises prepares adequately to attract tourists
2020 as a renewable energy hub for that renewable energy represents a and investments at the end of the World
Southern Africa, with mining and tourism valuable economic resource for Namibia. Expo 2020.
featuring as sub-sectors for promotion. Renewable energy is also seen as a key
Namibia will craft key messages for its catalyst to achieving the goals set out “We are calling upon the private and public
strategic advertising and public relations in the Harambee Prosperity Plan which sector, small-and-medium enterprises,
campaigns leading up to the Expo 2020. aims to, among other things, increase especially those businesses and entities
local electricity generating capacity from in renewable energy, mining and tourism
Hon. Tweya announced the appointment 400 MW to 600 MW. This will enable sectors to come forward and pledge
of Retired Ambassador Simon Madjumo the provision of electricity to schools your commitment towards Namibia’s
as the Commissioner General of Section and health facilities by 2020; as well as participation in the World Expo 2020.
to spearhead Namibia’s participation in increase the rural electrification rate from Borrowing from the famous quotation
the World Expo 2020, Dubai. 34 percent to 50 percent. of former and late U.S. President, John
F. Kennedy, saying, ‘Ask not what your
Namibia’s renewable energy sector, In leading Namibia’s preparations for country can do for you. Ask what you
as well as mining and tourism sectors, Dubai 2020, Ambassador Maruta, who can do for your country’,” Minister Tweya
provide an exceptional value proposition has extensive diplomatic experience, will appealed.
Construction of the F.L.T.R. - Hangana Seafood new factory project manager, Pedro Sanchez; O&L Group Executive Chairman,
Sven Thieme; Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Bernard Esau; Special Advisor to the Erongo Re-
new processing gional Governor, Adelheid Kandjala; the Mayor of Walvis Bay - Alderman Immanuel Wilfried, and Hangana
Seafood Managing Director, Herman Theron.
facility is expected
to be completed in
September 2020.
The investment into the new plant
by Hangana Seafood will support its
diversification and trading strategy as well as
provide opportunity for new right holders to
participate in land based processing. It will
also have the potential to create additional
jobs when operating at full capacity.
“The Government is keen to ensure that products to markets worldwide. This target This objective will provide the industry
at least 340,000 MT of the total 550,000 includes 70% of hake value addition as is with higher returns, and also create much
MT landings is processed on shore by currently the case, and a new target of 70% needed jobs in the fishing sector. At the
2022, and exported as high value finished value addition in horse mackerel fishery. moment, about 120,000MT is added value
His Excellency Dr Hage Geingob cutting the ribbon to officially open Wernhil Park Phase 4, as Broll Namibia Managing Director,
Marco Wenk (left) and O&L Group Executive Chairman, Sven Thieme look on
T
he injection of a total investment Namibian experience. 600 – 700 permanent positions have been
of just over half-a-billion Namibian Shopping convenience has significantly created at the various retail outlets. From
dollars in Phase 4 of Windhoek’s been enhanced by the addition of more an environmental point of view and in
popular Wernhil Park Mall has reaffirmed parking and food offerings; a second line with one of our vision metrics which
the Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group’s public transport facility as well as a fully- is to reduce our carbon footprint, I am
commitment to creating a sustainable fledged medical facility and overall easier happy to state that significant focus was
Namibian economy. pedestrian access into the mall from placed on ensuring our power and water
particularly the southern part of the center. consumption is kept to a minimum,” Wenk
In a year that marks 100 years of O&L’s said, further encouraging the public to
existence and 29 years since Wernhil Park Further investments in the Wernhil Mall support environmental sustainability by
opened its doors as Namibia’s first fully- not only enhance the vibrancy and appeal using water sparingly and keeping the
fledged shopping mall in 1990, shortly of Windhoek and in particular it’s CBD, but environment clean.
after the country’s independence, the even more so enhance the lives of those
investment remains a clear sign of the who benefit from the new jobs created. President Dr. Hage Geingob, who officiated
confidence the Group has in the future of Broll Namibia Managing Director, Marco at the opening of the expanded mall,
Namibia. Wenk, who delightful spoke about the said infrastructural development plays a
impact of the Wernhil Phase 4 highlighted significant role in the development of the
Wernhil Park now offers an even greater that the vast jobs created are also laced Namibian economy and shopping centres
variety of choice and more convenient with environmental responsibility. and malls provide a linkage between
retail experience for the CBD shopper. producers, distribution centres and the
With an area of over 55 000m² of prime “I am extremely excited to mention end consumers, thereby bringing together
retail space, Wernhil Park’s warm and that during construction; 400 - 500 job various sectors of the economy, under one
inviting atmosphere is symbolic of a true opportunities were created while at least roof.
Mr Vetumbuavi Mungunda, Standard Bank Namibia CEO and Mr Gang Sun Deputy CEO of ICBC Representative office in South Africa,
launching the ‘I Go Namibia’ initiative
S Through the ‘I Go
tandard Bank Namibia, together ‘I Go Namibia’ offers a number of benefits
with the world’s biggest bank by specifically for ICBC cardholders travelling
assets, the Industrial Commercial
Bank of China (ICBC), has launched the
Namibia’ initiative, ICBC to Namibia for leisure. These benefits
include; card protection insurance;
‘I Go Namibia’ initiative which is aimed cardholders can enjoy accommodation deals with premium
at boosting investment flows, cementing hotels, lodges and restaurant groups;
trade ties and encouraging tourism convenient, comfortable discounted return flights to Namibia,
between Namibia and China. among many other incentives.
and cost-effective
The ‘I Go Namibia’ initiative, which forms
part of the ICBC’s I Go Global rewards
shopping, travelling and “Chinese investment and trade has played
an integral part in encouraging economic
scheme for its more than 830 million
cards in China, seeks to capitalise on
leisure experience in and infrastructure development in
Namibia and Africa as a whole, and in
the growing appetite among Chinese Namibia, while Standard growing trade and investment flows
travellers to visit Namibia by offering a between China and the continent,” says
range of discounts and special offers from Bank cardholders will Standard Bank Head of Card in personal
Namibian merchants across the travel, and business banking, Hendrik du Plessis.
hospitality and lifestyle sectors. enjoy the wonderful
Tourist arrivals from China have increased
tourist and shopping “The partnership between Standard Bank
and the Industrial Commercial Bank of
over the last few years, and outbound
travel is forecast to reach more than 200
experience in China China has contributed to moving various
African countries forward for many years,”
million departures by 2020, according through the I Go China du Plessis further says.
to the Chinese National Tourism
Administration (CNTA). initiative. Standard Bank Namibia Head of Marketing,
Communications and CSI, Magreth Standard Bank, Africa’s biggest bank, Chinese, delivering the bank’s broader
Mengo says the ‘I Go Namibia’ private- which recently celebrated a decade-long Pan-African and global capabilities
public partnership will help enhance institutional relationship with the ICBC, to individual as well as small and
ongoing efforts to create new, sustainable has been at the forefront of building the large commercial Chinese enterprises
jobs more especially in the tourism value world’s most advanced trade platform operating in individual African
chain. between Africa and China. countries, between African countries
“Both initiatives will increase the and between Africa and China.
partnership and economic cooperation To this end, Standard Bank and ICBC have
between China and Namibia thus improve purposefully structured their Africa-China • An entirely Chinese-speaking
the country, people and culture relations,” trade corridor to meet the needs of both Standard Bank branch at Crown Mines
Mengo says. Chinese importers and African exporters - in Johannesburg, located in the heart
at both ends of this unique global trade of Dragon City, which also helps Chinese
Gang Sun Deputy CEO of ICBC platform. importers and exporters access business
Representative office in South Africa, Some of the features of Standard Bank’s opportunities in Namibia, Lesotho,
says the two banks would like ‘I Go’ to Africa-China trade corridor include: Swaziland, Botswana, Mozambique and
be a platform that multi-parties leverage Zimbabwe.
advantages together to contribute to • Africa China Banking Centers
Namibian - Chinese trade and business (ACBCs), already operational in South • The signing of a US$ 500 million loan
exchange. Africa, are one-stop-shops for Chinese facility with the China Development
businesses and individuals seeking Bank at the BRICS Summit held in
Over the past decade China’s trade with to transact in, across and out of Africa. Johannesburg in July 2018, means
Africa increased from US$100 billion Manned by Chinese-speaking bankers, that over the next seven years the
in 2007 to US$230 billion by the end ACBCs are one-stop-banking shops facility is designed to support the
of 2017. While much of this trade has for personal and business banking growth of Standard Bank’s African SME
been dominated by Chinese exports, clients as well as for Chinese importers clients, many of whom are looking to
the inaugural China International Import and exporters. ACBCs provide seamless export to China.
Expo (CIIE) held in Shanghai from 5 – 9 consultation and advisory services via
November 2018 marked the practical telephone, online or email, and now also “The strategic partnership between
expression of China’s intention to change via WeChat, linking African and Chinese Standard Bank and ICBC provides an
the content and balance of its trade with clients with China’s highly networked unrivalled proposition to deepen Africa-
Africa. digital banking and customer China trade. We are confident that we can
knowledge systems. More ACBCs are serve clients on the ground in Africa while
As China evolves away from export-led currently rolling out in Nigeria with simultaneously accessing the highest
growth towards a mixed consumption- other African hubs to follow. levels of China’s capital, banking, trade and
led development model, Africa has been investment network,” says Leon Barnard
identified as China’s chief source of future • About 30 Chinese-speaking relationship Chief Executive, Personal and Business
beneficiated commodities, industrial and managers across 15 African markets. Banking, Africa Regions, Standard Bank.
services imports. Many of these are Africans who speak
“The doubling of the volumes (of cargo) will Hon. John Mutorwa, Works and Transport Minister, with TransNamib Board and Management members
bring about much-needed revenue for the
company. Therefore, we should all continue to claim characteristics such as, bulk freight
to work together to ensure that TransNamib mover, uncongested rail, reliability, safe
reclaims its legitimate position as the bulk transporter, unlimited capacity,” said Smith.
freight carrier of Namibia,” he said. In all, the new branding embodies an
“The rebranding of TransNamib marks the organisation that is reinventing itself, but
beginning of a new and long journey that is still very committed to its mandate. The
the company and the Government have new identity builds upon its history of rail
set to return the company to profitability experience as well as opens doors to the
and positively contribute to the objectives future.
The New TransNamib logo
of Vision 2030, NDP5 and the Harambee
Prosperity Plan,” said Hon. Mutorwa. Smith said TransNamib had witnessed a
countries, like Angola, Botswana, Zambia
growth of about 8% in freight volumes in
and Zimbabwe in order to fulfil the desire
Government and TransNamib are leading a the last year.
for an uninterrupted and complete rail
renewed campaign to move bulk and heavy connectivity.
freight away from the roads to the railway, “Although still insignificant in terms of what
“The ultimate success of our economies
especially over long distances. we still have to do at TransNamib, it is the
heavily depends on an efficient railway
beginning of a new era. It, therefore, has
infrastructure and system. Railway is by
“It is my strong belief that if we prioritise become important that our new identity
design made to accommodate large
the support and commitment towards should become synonymous with the
volumes of bulk freight, containers and
railways, this will help us to fast track future growth and success of the company,”
people. Railway remains critical for the
the implementation of proper logistics he said.
bottomline of the end consumers as
infrastructures and we can conveniently it is designed to provide economical
position Namibia as the logistics hub of the Smith said TransNamib needs to grow
transport solutions,” Hon Mutorwa said,
Southern African Development Community significantly in size and in customer base,
adding that Government had already
(SADC) region,” the Transport Minister said. and that their new corporate identity will
committed financial resources towards
have to help the rail company communicate
the improvement of Namibia’s railway
It is anticipated that industries and their growth.
infrastructure.
economies of SADC member states will
continue to grow and soon exceed the TransNamib Chairperson, Advocate Sigrid
TransNamib Chief Executive Officer, Johnny
current carrying capacity of the regional Tjijorokisa, highlighted that the new brand
Smith, said the rebranding will help the
roads infrastructure, hence the region’s was aligned to the company’s new vision
company in every area possible to ensure its
renewed focus on developing rail to be “the preferred bulk transporter of
growth and success.
infrastructure. The plan is to link Namibia’s Namibia” as well its mission “to ensure world
rail network to that of neighbouring class railway services and generate return on
“A new brand is a promise for the company
investment for our shareholder.”
even before completion of the The programme is exclusively for business owners of for-profit
companies or for-profit social enterprises with annual company
training,” he said. revenues of US$150 000-US$15 million (about N$2,2 million to
N$216 million).
The programme is subsidised through philanthropic contributions.
Pat Dambe, vice president of corporate affairs and government
With the commencement of recruitment for the southern African relations at De Beers Global, said: “Seeing this programme come to
leg, this builds on the success of the first two meetings of business fruition, as we had envisioned for Southern Africa, is remarkable. It
leaders from Botswana, Namibia and South Africa. Chief executive has enabled us to collaborate with our producer countries towards
officers and company founders are encouraged to apply for the repositioning enterprise development in our region.”
third programme. Those accepted will begin their programme in
January 2020. The programme was initially made possible for Namibia last year
by the De Beers Group, which had pumped in N$43.5 million (US$3
De Beers Resident Director, Daniel Kali, said the international million) into a three-year partnership with the Stanford Graduate
diamond company has been finding alternative funding to help School of Business, to specifically impart skills to entrepreneurs
grow the Namibian economy in these challenging economic times. in Namibia, Botswana and South Africa. The programme is
headquartered at the Botswana Innovation Hub, a Science and
De Beers partnered with Stanford as a way to expand the work of Technology Park in Gaborone.
Namdeb. The seed programme is a high-tech learning experience
aimed at empowering established business leaders in Botswana, As an overarching goal, the programme provides management
Namibia, and South Africa – De Beers Group producer countries in training, leadership team workshops and networking support to
Africa. assist southern African leaders to grow their businesses, create
jobs and help lead their regions to greater economic diversity and
During the seed transformation, participants will undertake a prosperity. Ultimately, it is also primed to create and activate a detailed
12-months intensive leadership programme which includes action plan to help businesses grow and scale their companies.
sessions on strategy and finance, business ethics, and design Throughout the year-long experience, participants will work in small
thinking, all taught by world-renowned Stanford faculty and local peer groups called leadership labs to share experiences, resources,
business practitioners. In addition, a series of four full-day workshops, ideas and support.
Hon. Iipumbu, 4th from left, with some business leaders from Namibia and Botswana
T
he Deputy Minister of
Industrialisation, Trade and SME
Development (MITSMED), Hon. Lucia
Iipumbu, led a delegation to Germany in
April, where together with high-ranked
representatives from Botswana, took part
in a regional programme under the theme
of “Extending domestic value chains”.
Angola
18.5 million customers
Zambia Mozambique
12.9 million 22.9 million
customers customers
Malawi
15.2 million
customers
Zimbabwe
THE SADC MALL 12.5 million
customers
Botswana
1.95 million
customers
Namibia
2.1 million
customers
South Africa
49.3 million
customers
African Development Community (SADC), one of the largest emerging markets in the world, with
over 330 million consumers and a GDP in excess of US$500 000 billion. Through strategic
partnerships, we can give you the logistical solutions to gain access into this lucrative market via the
Port of Walvis Bay, the obvious hub for trade between Southern Africa and the rest of the world.
Contact us today to discover how easy it is to gain trade access to Africa’s most lucrative and
WBCG Head Office WBCG South Africa WBCG Zambia WBCG DRC WBCG Brazil
T. +264 61 251 669 T. +27 11 258 8912 T. +260 21 129 4494 T. +322 386 5109 T. +55 11 2655 7301
E. marketing@wbcg.com.na E. bdm@wbcg.co.za E. bdm@wbcgzm.com E. bdm@wbcg.cd E. ricardo@wbcg.com.br
www.wbcg.com.na
OUR MISSION
To support economic growth and development in Namibia, we act
as fiscal advisor and banker to Government; promote price stability;
manage reserves and currency; ensure sound financial systems and
conduct economic research.
Foreign reserves
management
Issuing of currency
(Namibia dollar)
Safeguarding and
enhancing financial
stability
Overseeing the
National Payment and
Settlement Systems
OUR VALUES
We value high performance impact in the context of teamwork.
We uphold open communication, diversity and integrity.
We care for each other’s well-being, and we value excellence.
Contact us:
71 Robert Mugabe
PO Box 2882
Windhoek
Tel: +264 61 283 5111
Fax: +264 61 283 5231
Find us on: Website: www.bon.com.na info@bon.com.na
Expect more.
www.dbn.com.na/manufacturing
60 INVEST NAMIBIA JOURNAL VOLUME 2 | ISSUE 2 | JUNE 2019