Photo: Contributed
Lüderitz is on the brink of a major economic transformation, with a proposed N$4 billion salmon aquaculture investment expected to create about 5 000 jobs and generate billions of dollars in economic activity for the coastal town and Namibia.
Deputy Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy, Gaudentia Kröhne, led a high-level delegation to the Lüderitz Town Council on Monday this week, to discuss the ambitious project being spearheaded by the Africa Aquaculture Company. The company plans to establish a large-scale salmon production operation in Lüderitz, with projected production of approximately 51 000 tonnes of salmon and potential returns estimated at N$8 billion to N$9 billion.
The project is targeting premium international markets and could position Lüderitz as a major player in the rapidly expanding global aquaculture industry. The Namibia Industrial Development Agency (NIDA) has already acquired a 40% equity stake in the company, signalling Government’s intention to secure a foothold in Namibia’s emerging blue-economy sector. Kröhne emphasised the national importance of the investment and called for outstanding administrative requirements to be processed urgently to prevent unnecessary delays. According to the company, its Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has been finalised, while operations in Lüderitz could begin within the next 60 to 90 days, subject to the completion of remaining requirements.
The company has already begun production at a facility in Paarl, Western Cape, following the arrival of its first salmon eggs. Lüderitz has been selected as the preferred location because of its strategic position along the Benguela Current, whose cold, nutrient-rich waters provide favourable conditions for salmon farming. Beyond direct employment, the proposed investment is expected to create a wide network of economic opportunities, including local procurement, small and medium enterprise development, logistics, transport, construction, accommodation and professional services. The project could therefore provide a significant boost to Lüderitz businesses while creating opportunities for Namibian entrepreneurs to participate in the emerging aquaculture value chain.
The Lüderitz Town Council welcomed the proposed investment and reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating responsible and sustainable projects that deliver tangible benefits to residents. If successfully implemented, the salmon venture could become one of Namibia’s most significant aquaculture investments, transforming Lüderitz from a traditional coastal and fishing town into a major blue-economy production and export hub. With billions of dollars in projected economic returns and thousands of potential jobs at stake, pressure is now mounting for the remaining regulatory and administrative processes to be completed and for the promised investment to move from plans to production.
By Rudi Bowe
