Envaalde Matheus
Deputy minister of fisheries, c, says the emerging Atlantic salmon aquaculture sector could transform Namibia from wild-capture fisheries to high-value aquaculture and agro-processing, Future Media reports.
Masake was speaking in Windhoek on Tuesday at a seminar introducing a planned Norwegian-Namibian venture, projected to create about 5 000 jobs.
The venture aims to revive coastal economies and generate foreign-exchange earnings from high-value exports, while driving economic diversification, sustainable growth and strengthening food security.
The project aims to establish a full salmon value chain, including offshore farming, onshore hatcheries, processing facilities and export logistics, with Lüderitz expected to emerge as a new aquaculture hub.
Masake said salmon farming presents a strategic opportunity to diversify Namibia’s ocean economy, attract investment and expand export earnings.
“We will stimulate foreign direct investment, create skilled and semi-skilled employment, strengthen agro-processing, infrastructure, increase export revenues, and position Namibia as a pioneer in Africa’s aquaculture innovation.”
Fisheries ministry director of aquaculture, Rudy Cloete, said the salmon industry will follow strict environmental standards, with independent monitoring and local marine science capacity, while creating skilled jobs, transferring technology, and delivering benefits to coastal communities.
“We are developing one of the largest aquaculture projects in the southern hemisphere. With the first fish, I think it’s 2027, we will have the first salmon produced in Namibia,” he said.
The Namibia Industrial Development Agency’s CEO, Philip Namundjebo said that the agency will be an equity partner as the project moves from technical planning to financing and implementation while also maintaining sustainability and global competitiveness.
“Significant preparatory work has already been undertaken. Landscaping is progressing, a feasibility study has been completed, and technical system design and capital structuring are in place,” he said.
Namundjebo said that the objective is to build an industry that is competitive, meets Namibia’s industrial needs, and is credible on the global stage.
“What we are discussing today is the scaling and financing structure of the industrial platform. We are also deeply aware that modern industrialisation must be sustainable, environmental stewardship is not optional, it is a foundation,” he said.
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