Lüderitz ready to harbour Namibian salmon industry

The harbour town of Lüderitz could benefit from a proposed N$4 billion salmon aquaculture project, which is projected to create about 5,000 jobs and generate economic opportunities for the town and Namibia.

The deputy minister of Industries, Mines and Energy, Gaudentia Kröhne, accompanied by ministry officials, representatives of Africa Aquaculture Company and the Namibia Industrial Development Agency (NIDA), met the Lüderitz Town Council on Monday to discuss plans to establish a large-scale salmon production operation in the town.

Kröhne emphasised the project's national importance and called for outstanding administrative requirements to be processed quickly to facilitate its implementation. NIDA has acquired a 40% equity stake in the company, which it described as part of the government's support for Namibia's aquaculture and blue-economy sectors.

According to council spokesperson Elwin !Gaoseb, Africa Aquaculture Company, projects a potential return of N$8 billion to N$9 billion and an annual production capacity of about 51,000 tonnes of salmon for international markets. !Gaoseb said the town council welcomed the proposed investment and was committed to facilitating responsible and sustainable investment that delivers local economic benefits. “The company indicated that its environmental impact assessment (EIA) had been completed and that it was targeting the start of operations in Lüderitz within 60 to 90 days, subject to the completion of outstanding requirements,” he said.

Africa Aquaculture Company has established a facility in Paarl, in South Africa's Western Cape, where production has begun following the arrival of its first salmon eggs. Lüderitz has been identified as the preferred location because of its position along the Benguela Current, whose cold, nutrient-rich waters are considered favourable for salmon aquaculture.

Africa Aquaculture Company holds a licence to farm up to 51,000 tonnes of salmon off the coast of Lüderitz and says it could produce about 650,000 meals a day once it reaches its target production capacity. The company says the project could position it as a major international aquaculture producer and have a significant economic impact on the region, supported by local expertise and Norwegian aquaculture technology. “The proposed project could also create opportunities for local businesses and small and medium-sized enterprises in procurement, logistics, transport, construction, accommodation and professional services,” !Gaoseb said.

The delegation was hosted by Lüderitz Town Council Management Committee chairperson Ockert Theron, Accounting Officer Austin Mubiana and administrative and technical staff.

Source: Lüderitz Town Council