Namibia Expo 2020 Dubai

Published by the Namibia Investment Promotion & Development Board, 2021.

(A Public Entity in the Office of the President) Cnr Garten Street and Dr. A. B. May Street Private Bag 13340, Windhoek, Namibia

www.nipdb.com

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

N

Republic of Namibia

amibia, like other countries around the world, has not escaped the devastating effect of the global COVID-19 pandemic on her economy.

The country and her people have, however, shown great resilience and the Namibian government has been praised for its speedy and proactive approach to control and minimise the impact of COVID-19 on its people.

Despite the disruption caused by the pandemic, the Namibian government has been proactive in positioning Namibia as a global investment destination. The Namibia Investment Promotion & Development Board (NIPDB), which resorts under the Office of the President, became fully operational and was commissioned on 01 April 2021. Its mandate includes amongst others, the promotion and facilitation of investments by foreign and Namibian investors and development of new ventures that will contribute to the country’s economic development and job creation.

Speaking at the launch of the Harambee Prosperity Plan II, the government’s Action Plan Towards Economic Recovery and Inclusive Growth, in March this year, I invited investors to partner with the government to unlock projects worth about 1.9 billion USD. Opportunities include, amongst others, investments in agriculture, improving the country’s health and education systems, affordable housing, infrastructure development and water and electricity security.

Taking advantage of its strategic location on the southwestern coast of Africa, Namibia has positioned herself as a logistics hub for countries in southern Africa and has created world class facilities at the country’s main port, Walvis Bay. Its strategic location is complemented by an excellent transport infrastructure, including the best road infrastructure in Africa, and a vibrant private sector.

With landscapes ranging from the world’s oldest desert, the Namib, to the lily-clad waterways and lush woodlands of the Zambezi Region in the northeast of the country, Namibia ranks among the top tourist destinations in Africa. Add to this the country’s eclectic mixture of cultures, wildlife and adventure sports and the country is wellpositioned to become a top global tourism destination.

Expo 2020 Dubai provides a platform for Namibia to showcase her abundance of natural resources, incredible scenic beauty and her diversity of cultures to a global audience. It is also a platform to showcase investment opportunities in a country that has been ranked as one of Africa’s safest countries.

On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Namibia, I invite you to visit and enjoy our pavilion, themed: Preserving Natural Treasures for Future Generations. I also urge you to explore the investment opportunities offered by the Land of the Brave.

Furthermore, on my 80th birthday on 3 August 2021, I had the pleasure of launching a Request for Proposal inviting companies from all over the world to participate in conducting a feasibility study to determine the viability of setting up a Green Hydrogen industry in Namibia.

Namibia has enjoyed peace and stability since her independence in 1990 and offers a stable investment environment. To this end, the government is in the process of finalising an attractive Special Economic Zone regime. Several bills, among them the Namibia Investment Promotion Act (NIPA) and the National Equitable Economic Empowerment Bill (NEEEB), are also in the process of being finalised. As one of the countries with the highest levels of inequalities, some of which are rooted in the pre-independence discriminatory practices, our government is committed to inclusive growth. Our policies are therefore aimed at attracting and retaining investors who are equally committed to the Africa 2063 Agenda as well as the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

His Excellency Hage G. Geingob President of the Republic of Namibia

www.namibiaexpo2020dubai.com

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HOPE PREVAILS

W

e are able to gather in this beautiful city to mark this historic milestone because hope prevails.

You are holding a copy of this magazine in your hand because hope indeed prevails.

In the spirit of this prevailing hope, we are delighted to share with you why Namibia, affectionately known as the Land of the Brave, is and should be your preferred investment destination.

Adapting and moving forward The Covid-19 pandemic has altered our lives – perhaps forever.

Although we are cognisant of the fatalistic impact that it has had on our lives, on people and society, we also acknowledge its impact in stimulating growth and forward movement in certain sectors, specifically in areas of innovation, and its accelerated drive for our world to embrace and celebrate change.

Positive foreign direct investment Notwithstanding the impact of the pandemic, Namibia has been able to record a positive increase in foreign direct investment (FDI) by N$250 million in the fourth quarter of 2020.

Over the past year, Namibia’s agricultural sector has increased its Namibia Dollar (N$) contribution to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) by a whopping 79%. This remains a sector with vast potential.

Apart from this, we were able to enhance the contribution of the manufacturing sector to the country’s GDP by 25%. This sector also has the potential and capacity for notable growth and improvement.

Due to our reliance on technology to keep businesses and the economy operational, avoid major disruption to teaching and learning, and facilitate continuity across the board, information and communication technology (ICT) played a tremendously significant role this past year. ICT is continuing to grow as an emerging sector.

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The outcomes of this past year demonstrate that, as human beings, we not only have the ability to cope with change, but we have the inherent capacity to adjust and propel ourselves forward. Our ability to rise to the challenges posed by Covid-19 underlines our innate resilience and agility.

At the moment we are exploring additional avenues to maintain the momentum in order to retain the wins from the past year.

One very exciting untapped industry relates to the green economy in general and green hydrogen in particular.

The Namibia Investment Promotion & Development Board In accordance with the pronouncement of His Excellency Dr. Hage G. Geingob, the President of the Republic of Namibia on the occasion of announcing the new government structure on 16 March 2020, the Namibia Investment Promotion & Development Board (NIPDB) was established in the Office of the President. The establishment of NIPDB signals the importance the government attaches to promoting MSMEs, stimulating local investments, attracting FDI and boosting the nation’s economy.

The mandate of NIPDB is quite extensive, with two critical elements, namely the increase of employment in the country as well as the improvement of Namibia’s trade account balance. That, of course, comes with two additional priorities: Number 1 is primarily to stimulate local investment and draw foreign investment by promoting Namibia as a preferred investment destination.

Number 2 is the directive to support our Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), making sure that we coordinate MSME activities in our country across all the levers of the economy. There are a number of supporting activities in this regard but in brief, that is our mandate.

Hope continues to prevail as we navigate the current global climate but hope without definite, concrete and deliberate

MESSAGE FROM THE COMMISSIONER GENERAL

plans is vain. As matters stand, NIPDB has been quite active in its role of investment promotion while simultaneously preparing its 24-month strategy. We are pleased to note that at present several potential investors, some of whom are represented here at the Expo, have their eyes set on Namibia.

During the times that regulations have permitted us to do so, we have brought some of these potential investors to Namibia, given them a tour of our beautiful country and engaged them in constructive conversations.

Part of our work also involves ironing out bureaucratic processes that we acknowledge pose a barrier to progress, if not dealt with more efficiently. These processes have a direct impact on the country’s ability to secure FDI. We have, therefore, also been quite busy working with various ministries and government departments, looking at some of the bottlenecks that investors might experience.

These bottlenecks relate to matters such as delays with the issuing of permits, visas, or licences to enable investors to operate businesses in the country, among other issues. The NIPDB team undertakes to help support and facilitate the efficient and speedy acquisition of such permits thus boosting investment activities and supporting the growth of our economy.

Nangula Uaandja Commissioner General - Namibia Expo 2020 Dubai Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer - Namibia Investment Promotion & Development Board

Finally, I can assure you that Namibia is committed to collaborating with the private sectors in ensuring policy certainty and implementing legislation that will give you, as investors, peace of mind in this regard. We foresee a prosperous future with mutually beneficial partnerships.

Having said that, we look forward to engaging you further and ultimately welcoming you to the Land of the Brave!

www.namibiaexpo2020dubai.com

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CONTENTS FEATURED SECTORS

12

40

RENEWABLE ENERGY

TOURISM & CONSERVATION

A mosaic of forward-thinking energy creation

14

Discovering the land of the wild and free

42

Hydroelectric Generation & Solar Energy

14

Conservation results 43

Wind Power & Biomass

16

Fast Facts 46

Fast Facts 18

Ministry of Environment, Tourism & Forestry

46

Ministry of Mines and Energy

18

Celebrate Namibia: Land of Contrast

48

Celebrate Namibia: Powered by Nature

20

Conservation success stories

54

22

MARINE DIAMONDS & MINING

56

CULTURAL HERITAGE

The economic interest of valuable minerals

24

The heart and soul of Namibia - its people

Marine Diamonds, Uranium & Gold

25

Fast Facts 62

Dimension stones, salt & industrial minerals

58

26

Ministry of Education, Arts & Culture

62

Fast Facts 28

Celebrate Namibia: A Melting Pot of Culture

65

Celebrate Namibia: Built on Diamonds

The Namibian Art Scene

66

4

34

OTHER SECTORS

68

94

EDUCATION

HEALTH Ministry of Health & Social Services

70

96

TRADE & FINANCE Ministry of Industrialisation & Trade

71

Minstry of Finance 72 Ministry of Information & Communications Technology 73

HOUSING DEVELOPMENT Ministry of Urban & Rural Development

82

97

98

AGRICULTURE

MANUFACTURING

Ministry of Agriculture, Water & Land Reform

84

Celebrate Namibia: Delicacies to delight the world

85

102

90

TRANSPORT & LOGISTICS

BLUE ECONOMY Ministry of Fisheries & Marine Resources

95

91

Celebrate Namibia: Connection Is Key

106

Ministry of Works & Transport

107

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ANGOLA Epupa Falls

Ruacana

Omahenene

Oshikango

Katwitwi

Ruacana Falls

Marienfluss

Opuwo

Ondangwa

Oshakati

MAHANGO GAME PARK

Rundu KAOKOLAND

SKELETON COAST PARK

MANGETTI NATIONAL PARK

ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK

KAVANGO KHAUDUM NATIONAL PARK

Etosha Pan

Sesfontein

Tsumeb

Kamanjab

Otavi

Möwe Bay DAMARALAND

Outjo

Terrace Bay Torra Bay

Twyfelfontein

Khorixas

Tsumkwe Grootfontein WATERBERG PLATEAU PARK

Otjiwarongo

Okakarara

Kalkfeld Brandberg Uis Omaruru

Mile 108

Spitzkoppe

Cape Cross Usakos

Henties Bay

Okahandja

Karibib

Gobabis

Swakopmund

Windhoek

Walvis Bay Sandwich Harbour

BOTSWANA

KALAHARI DESERT Rehoboth Solitaire

NAMIBNAUKLUFT PARK Sesriem

ATLANTIC OCEAN

SOSSUSVLEI

Mariental Duwisib Castle

Maltahöhe

Mata Mata

Keetmanshoop

Rietfontein

Aus Lüderitz

Kolmanskop Bogenfels TSAU //KHAEB (FORMER SPERRGEBIET) NATIONAL PARK

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Grünau Ariamsvlei

Sendlingsdrif

ON THE COVER Flamingos fly over Sandwich Harbour along Namibia's coastline.

- Paul van Schalkwyk

/AI-/AIS RICHTERSVELD TRANSFRONTIER PARK /Ai-/Ais Rosh Pinah

Oranjemund

Velloorsdrift Noordoewer

SOUTH AFRICA

ZAMBIA Sesheke

Katima Mulilo

KONGOLA

Ngoma

BWABWATA NATIONAL PARK Bagani

ZIMBABWE

MUDUMU NATIONAL PARK

Muhembo

NKASA RUPARA NATIONAL PARK

FAST FACTS ON NAMIBIA

2nd

least densely populated country in the world

2.2 people/km2

2.5

1,570 km

Population

SURFACE AREA:

824,268 km² INDEPENDENCE:

21 March 1990 CAPITAL:

Windhoek

DIVISION OF POWER BETWEEN executive, legislature and judiciary

90% CHRISTIAN

MILLION

ADULT LITERACY RATE:

14 13 16 2.6%

85%

ATLANTIC COASTLINE

REGIONS

ECONOMY

ETHNIC CULTURES

Macroeconomic Stability GDP US$ 11.8 Bn

Angola

Zambia

LANGUAGES & DIALECTS

Average Inflation 2.2 %

OFFICIAL LANGUAGE:

Zimbabwe

POPULATION GROWTH RATE

Botswana

OVER 1,700 SCHOOLS, VARIOUS VOCATIONAL AND TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS

English

STATE

PARLIAMENT CURRENT PRESIDENT:

Hage G. Geingob

Democratic

CONSTITUTION FREEDOM OF

RELIGION FREEDOM OF THE

press/media

NATURE RESERVES: OF SURFACE AREA

17%

HIGHEST MOUNTAIN:

Brandberg

OTHER PROMINENT Spitzkoppe, Moltkeblick, MOUNTAINS: Gamsberg PERENNIAL RIVERS: Orange Kunene Okavango Zambezi Kwando Linyanti/Chobe

EPHEMERAL RIVERS: Numerous including Fish Kuiseb Swakop Ugab

1st

IN AFRICA

EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS:

ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE

South Africa

2019 WEF COMPETITIVENESS

6th in Sub-Saharan Africa 94th globally

Secular

Multiparty

STRATEGIC LOCATION IN SADC

(improved from 100)

14 120 200

vegetation zones

species of trees

100+ SPECIES OF LICHEN

endemic plant species

LIVING FOSSIL PLANT:

Welwitschia mirabilis

BIG GAME: ELEPHANT, LION, RHINO, BUFFALO, CHEETAH, LEOPARD, GIRAFFE

WRITERS Elzanne McCulloch, Le Roux van Schalkwyk, Willie Olivier, Kirsty Watermeyer

This publication was produced by Venture Publications Pty Ltd Hypermotor City Unit 44 PO Box 21593, Windhoek, Namibia www.venture.com.na

PHOTOGRAPHERS Most photographs in this publication are copyrighted to Venture Publications Pty Ltd. A special thanks goes out to the following companies who contributed images or allowed access for photography for their respective sectors: Nampower, Debmarine, Namdeb, Swakara, Namport, Walvis Bay Salt, B2Gold

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The editorial content of this publication is contributed by the Venture Media team, freelance writers and journalists. It is the sole property of the publisher and no part of the magazine may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. All facts and figures were accurate at the date of publishing. Published: October, 2021.

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CELEBRATE NAMIBIA Despite its small population, Namibia is home to many exceptional people. Some choose to use their talents to enrich the country, others choose to share their skills on a global platform, but all of them make Namibia proud. From sports stars to space scientists, Namibia has produced its fair share of remarkable citizens. Whether working at home or abroad, what unites Namibians is their love for their country.

“If I have ever seen magic it’s in Namibia. In Namibia you find the best of Africa and the best of the west. In Namibia you find that God lives in the Namib Desert. In Namibia there are infinite possibilities to demonstrate how an ideal world could be, because we have all the ingredients and all the magic!” This is what Marie Jeanne Ndimbira says about her country. Marie-Jeanne co-founded the Physically Active Youth Program, a holistic after-school program in a low-income community in Namibia.

One thing that constantly comes up when asking about Namibia, are the welcoming people you find in this country.

Namibians are known for their friendliness, hospitality and cheer. As Ciske Howard, the Swakopmund Regional Councillor, puts it:

"Namibia has the best people in the world."

Karel Prinsloo is an award-winning photographer with the prestigious World Press Photo award on his list of accolades. His work has been published in major international publications. Karel has documented war zones and crisis situations all over the globe, yet his heart is firmly rooted in Namibia. When asked what he loves about being a Namibian, he says “There is something about this open space – it grabs you and never lets you go. I love us as a nation – we are so diverse, yet so similar.”

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What makes Namibia special, according to Joel, is “the composition of diverse smiles and our resilient nature. This is what defines our unique beauty as a country.”

Joel Haikali is a film director, producer and writer.

Dr Helena Ndume, known as the miracle doctor, has treated some 300 000 blind Namibians since 1997.

She was the first Namibian recipient of the United Nations Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela Prize in 2015 for restoring sight to those blinded by cataracts. Today she is the head of the Ophthalmology Department at the Windhoek Central Hospital.

“My heroes are those who do good for the underprivileged, for another human being.”

Despite being home to only 2.5 million inhabitants, Namibia is characterised by many dynamic people who are always standing by to tell you about how wonderful this country is.

Musician EES says, “We are a very diverse country with many different cultures and languages. But Namibia is proof that when you stick together and show respect to one another we can make it a paradise for us all. If you haven’t been to Namibia yet – you have missed out BIG TIME! I feel very honoured to be born and raised in this beautiful country.”

DISCOVER NAMIBIA’S

MOST MYSTERIOUS TOWN A town closed to outsiders for 85 years. Where oryx roam free, but visitors required a permit. Its secrets abound: an 18-hole golf course at the mouth of the Orange River, spectacular sunsets on the towering dunes, a 500-year-old shipwreck, the allure of diamonds, the stories of a community in a world of its own. Oranjemund is the gateway to the Sperrgebiet, the forbidden land, and it is now open to investors. Discover the opportunity.

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES: Tourism Agriculture Property Renewable Energy

For further information on OMDis, contact their office at +264 63 234344 and visit their website: www.omdis.co

It’s not about the deals we do.

It’s about what those deals do.”

As a leader in the corporate and investment banking industry, we understand that partnerships and collaboration remain key to pave the way for sustainable funding of the domestic as well as the continental economy. rmb.com.na

Traditional values. Innovative ideas.

CORPORATE AND INVESTMENT BANK

RENEWABLE ENERGY Namibia has some of the world’s best renewable energy resources. With the fast expansion of its existing transmission and distribution infrastructure it has the potential to become a net exporter of electricity to neighbouring countries. The clear legal framework governing the renewable energy sector increases investors’ confidence in the renewable energy market.

A mosaic of forward-thinking energy creation

D

espite this potential, Namibia currently still imports around 60% of its total electricity needs because of inadequate local generation capacity. A stable investment environment exists thanks to several reforms of the Namibian power sector – such as the horizontal consolidation of distributors into five regional electricity distribution companies (REDs) and the establishment of transparent tariff setting procedures overseen by the sector regulator, the Electricity Control Board (ECB).

Furthermore, the Ministry of Mines and Energy introduced a Modified Single Buyer Market Rule that transformed the single buyer model by allowing potential large power users to purchase up to 30% of their electricity demand from power producers other than the national power utility NamPower.

Independent Power Producers (IPPs) currently generate 7% of the national electricity consumption with almost unlimited scope for new investments and expansion, especially with regard to renewable energy.

Ruacana runs as a base-load power plant during times of high river flow and as a peaking power plant for the remainder when the river flows at lower levels.

SOLAR ENERGY With an average of 300 sunshine days per year, Namibia’s solar resource is considered to be among the best in the world. The potential for using solar water heaters, photovoltaic (PV) systems and concentrated solar power (CSP) plants is enormous.

Small PV systems are most commonly used in off-grid areas – on commercial farms, for example, to pump water from boreholes and for small battery banks that provide power for farmers and their workforce. Less than 57% of the population have access to electricity. While providing electricity to this segment of the population is one of the HPPII energy goals, these rural areas rely on solar power to cover basic electricity needs, i.e. for lighting, fridges, TV sets etc.

With the Independent Power Producer Policy plus the Renewable Energy Grid Code, the electricity market is ready for investors. Namibia has a good transmission infrastructure and distribution network which is continuously upgraded to allow for new power plants.

The tourism sector, which is migrating more and more towards eco-tourism, uses larger solar installations. Apart from a sizable initial investment this is not only more sustainable but also lowers the cost of running diesel generators and provides a more reliable electricity source, especially in remote areas.

One of the goals of the Harambee Prosperity Plan II (HPPII) focuses on electricity supply security for the whole country.

Namibia wants to break the shackles of dependency on electricity imports but also needs to consider rising domestic consumption. At the same time, Namibia aims to become the first zero-emission country in Africa. Considering that its potential for green electricity production is many times its domestic consumption, harnessing renewable energy opens excellent opportunities for investors.

Under the Net Metering Rules private entities are able to generate and sell excess renewable energy into the national grid. Net metering also enables users to reduce their electricity demand from the grid, thereby reducing their electricity bills.

HYDROELECTRIC GENERATION Namibia’s biggest supply of renewable energy is generated by the 330 MW hydropower station at Ruacana and fed into the Namibia Power Grid at 330 kilovolts. This covers 32% of the country’s total power requirement. The Ruacana Falls is situated in the Kunene River, which originates in Angola.

Water for the power station is stored in a diversion weir.

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With an average high direct solar insolation of 2200 kWh/m2 / year and a vast expanse of underutilised land, Namibia has only started to tap into this form of green energy. The 4.5 MW Omburu Solar Park is Namibia’s first solar plant funded by an IPP. It was completed in 2015 and then had a capacity of 4.5 MW. Currently, Namibia generates a total of 135 MW from solar and wind projects in the REFIT program that was introduced to increase private investment in renewable energies.

Increasing solar electricity generation as part of the HPPII by 2025 includes Nampower’s planned 150 MW generation projects.

The Ruacana Falls Hydroelectric Power Station generates 32% of Namibia's total power requirements.

WIND POWER Wind energy is one of the oldest and most widely used forms of renewable energy in Namibia. While they do not convert wind into electrical energy, wind-driven pumps have been pumping water from boreholes on commercial and communal rural land for decades. They have slowly been replaced by solar pumps over the last two decades but around 30 000 wind pumps are still in use.

Natural wind conditions, especially along Namibia’s southern and northern coastline where speeds reach 10 metres/ second and much more, create ample opportunity for wind power generation. The first and so far only IPP wind farm, with a capacity of 5 MW, was completed in 2017 in the south-western coastal town of Lüderitz. Two planned projects during HPPII will increase wind power generation by another 90 MW. They will also be located on the coast. According to an analysis by the Ministry of Mines & Energy, an annual electricity yield of around 2,800 MWh can be expected per installed MW of wind power in Lüderitz.

BIOMASS Bush encroachment is a serious problem in Namibia. It leads to the degradation of the savanna structure and composition and has multiple causes. It is estimated that Namibia has 45 million hectares of bush-encroached land, which is considered a serious ecological and economic problem as it affects agricultural land. That said, it is estimated that the Namibian economy could earn some USD 3 billion over a 20 year period if a large part of this biomass is harvested and either used as fuel or fodder.

While the charcoal industry is currently the most developed utiliser of this biomass, various other sectors can also contribute to valuable de-bushing with subsequent economic gain.

Biomass is currently used and planned for use as: • Charcoal: Namibia is the fifth largest exporter of charcoal in the world and employs some 10 000 workers.

• Biochar: Charcoal decomposed at high temperatures in the absence of oxygen to be used as a soil ameliorant.

• Bush-to-Feed: Using encroacher species as fodder.

This was successfully done in Namibia during the recent drought.

• Alternative fuels: The Ohorongo Cement plant near Otavi already uses this encroacher bush biomass as fuel.

NamPower is also planning to develop a 40 MWe biomass power plant (Otjikoto) which is expected to operate by 2025.

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Natural wind conditions along Namibia's coastline create ample opportunity for wind power generation.

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FAST FACTS

CLIMATE & RENEWABLE ENERGY • Namibia currently imports around 60% of its total electricity needs because of inadequate local generation capacity

• The biggest supply of renewable energy is generated by the 330 MW hydropower station at Ruacana • Namibia has a high potential for solar, wind and biomass generation

• An average of 300 sunshine days per year makes Namibia’s solar resource among the best in the world • Average high direct solar insolation of 2200 kWh/m2 /year

• Namibia generates a total of 135 MW from solar and wind projects • Increase of 150 MW solar-generated power planned by 2025

• Natural wind conditions with winds reaching 10 metres/second are ideal for wind turbines along the southern and northern coastline

• Around 2,800 MWh expected per installed MW of wind power along the southern coast • Currently only one operating wind farm, with a capacity of 5 MW, completed in 2017 • Two planned projects will increase wind power generation by 90 MW

• Namibia has an estimated 45 million hectares of bush-encroached land

• Harvesting biomass could earn around USD 3 billion over a 20 year period

• The fifth-largest exporter of charcoal in the world and employs some 10 000 workers

• NamPower owns a network of 132 kV to 400 kV of overhead power lines spanning a distance of more than 25,000 kilometres

MINISTRY OF MINES AND ENERGY Minister: Hon. Tom Alweendo info@mme.gov.na www.mme.gov.na

The Ministry of Mines and Energy was constitutionally established to take custody of the diverse geological, mineral and energy resources, and to ensure their contribution to the country's socioeconomic development. The Ministry's vision is to serve as an institution that provides access to Namibia's geological, mineral and energy resources for sustainable economic growth, equal benefit and prosperity to all Namibian citizens.

EXPLORATION OPPORTUNITIES

The National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia – NAMCOR is actively involved in Hydrocarbon Exploration in Namibia and is open to new partnership opportunities in various Petroleum Exploration Licenses with working interests.

For more information on exploration and discovery opportunities in Namibia kindly contact: Vsibeya@namcor.com.na / Mnegonga@namcor.com.na or visit www.namcor.com.na

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POWERED BY NATURE Climate change and global warming are perhaps among the very top global pressures that we and future generations are faced with.

Some believe we are well past the point of no return, others believe we are fast approaching it, and then there are those who choose to live in a warm and calm bubble of disbelief.

In Africa, where we live more closely to nature than people on any other continent, we do not have the luxury of sticking our proverbial heads in the sand and ignoring the very real fact that climate change mitigation should be at the very top of our priority lists. And though, ironically, we are not the main culprits, especially as a sparsely populated country like Namibia, we could very well be the solution. Enter Namibia’s commitment, advances and future hopes for being a leader in renewable energy in Africa.

Harnessing Nature Namibia has an incredible competitive advantage when it comes to the production of renewable energy from solar, wind, biomass and hydro sources. With well over 90% sunny days, strong winds along our Atlantic coastline, an unfortunate abundance of encroacher/invasive bush species in our central bushlands and mighty rivers along our northern borders, we are well-positioned to harness nature in the most sustainable way for clean energy production. The small population size of our nation also plays to our advantage in this regard. Namibia’s peak power consumption is approximately only 640 MW per annum. And yet, we still import almost 40% of our electricity from neighbouring South Africa. South Africa in turn is Africa’s largest greenhouse gas emitter. To put our country in perspective, Namibia emits five times less carbon dioxide per capita than both South African and Germany. We emit ten times less than the USA, and 23 times less than Qatar.

Harnessing the sun – Namibia’s high solar irradiation values, which clearly stand out even by African standards and rank among the highest in the world, make us an obvious candidate for solar-generated energy.

Harnessing water – Ruacana Hydroelectric Power Station on the Kunene River, Namibia’s northern border, has a generation capacity of 347 MW. Unfortunately, the power station can only be operated at maximum capacity during the rainy season, but it still meets 32% of the country’s total power requirement.

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CELEBRATE NAMIBIA

Harnessing bush – In terms of bioenergy, the use of wood from invasive bush encroachment offers a potential source of biomass plants. Namibia has over 30 million hectares of woody biomass which could, if harvested correctly, power southern Africa with sustainable energy.

Harnessing the wind – High, constant wind speeds are found along Namibia’s southern coastline, especially near Lüderitz, which offer ideal conditions for the construction of wind power plants.

The Fuel of the Future So what does Namibia’s diverse range of energy generation potential mean for a future powered by renewable fuel? The answer: Green Hydrogen.

In an interview with CNBCAfrica, James Mnyupe, Economic Advisor to the President of Namibia, explained Namibia’s plan for a Green Hydrogen Revolution. The outlooks were lauded by CNBCAfrica as: “arguably one of the largest and potentially transformational projects on the African continent and perhaps the world.”

Hydrogen has long been lauded as the “fuel of the future,” and Green Hydrogen Energy (GHE) has the potential to slow climate change and create a sustainable future for not only southern Africa, but the world. One of GHE’s biggest advantages is its potential to be used across various sectors, including transport, mining, manufacturing and of course electricity generation. Namibia’s Green Hydrogen ambitions are large, yet appear to be attainable.

It will provide opportunities to further industrialise the country and, based on figures shared during the interview, these investments could potentially double the size of the Namibian economy. The most important determining factor that makes hydrogen production green is, of course, using clean energy in the process.

According to Mnyupe, Namibia’s Green Hydrogen project aims to generate 5 to 7 GW of renewable energy. That’s almost ten times Namibia’s total power needs. With gains such as these, the country will be able to position itself as a green energy exporter to the southern African power pool where Namibia currently imports most of its electricity from.

In an ironic turn, Namibia will then have the potential to decarbonise the largest emitter on the continent and offset greenhouse giant South Africa’s emissions, helping it towards meeting climate-neutral goals. Various spinoff projects, such as ammonia production, green mining initiatives (imagine De Beers producing green diamonds) and much more, can also be expected as a direct result of Namibia’s Green Hydrogen revolution.

Namibia ticks all the boxes and could have among the lowest hydrogen production costs worldwide, and on a large scale. There are a few key elements that position Namibia strategically for this project: • vast renewable energy generation capabilities • the electrical grid infrastructure already exists • the ports of Walvis Bay and Lüderitz are both capable of exporting green hydrogen to potential international buyers.

One drawback, though, is Green Hydrogen production’s need for large quantities of water, which of course is one of the things Namibia is not known for. The answer?

Desalination. Namibia already has the largest desalination plant in southern Africa. Another area with vast potential for growth and investment.

The government of Namibia, through the President’s Harambee Prosperity Plan II, is inviting private sector players both locally, regionally and globally to invest in Green Hydrogen projects in Namibia.

www.namibiaexpo2020dubai.com

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MARINE DIAMONDS & MINING Namibia is among the world’s top ten producers of gem quality diamonds. The entire coastline off the Orange River mouth is a treasure chest of diamonds – estimated at more than 80 million carats. These precious gemstones made a long journey, washed along ancient river courses from the interior of South Africa into the Atlantic Ocean.

The longshore drift of the Atlantic carried them northward and deposited them on raised beaches and on the seabed millions of years ago. Only the strongest gems survived the journey to the ocean, and the Atlantic currents and surf polished them further until they became top quality gems.

T

The economic interest of valuable minerals

he discovery of a diamond by a railway worker, Zacharias Lewala, about 10 km inland from the southern coastal town of Lüderitz in 1908 resulted in a diamond rush of an unprecedented scale. A diamond mining settlement sprung up virtually overnight at Kolmanskop and at various other diamond fields along the coast. Consolidated Diamond Mines (CDM), a wholly owned subsidiary of De Beers Consolidated Mines, obtained the exclusive rights to prospect and mine in Diamond Area No. 1 – an area known as the Sperrgebiet, or forbidden territory, since colonial times.

CDM moved its headquarters to Oranjemund at the Orange River mouth in 1943 and more and richer diamond deposits were subsequently discovered along the coast over a distance of about 100 km north of Oranjemund in 1928. Mining operations at Kolmanskop ceased in 1950 and nature started to reclaim the town. In just a few years, the once-booming town turned into a ghost town which has become a major attraction for visitors to Lüderitz. Other previously bustling mining settlements south of Lüderitz and in the Sand Sea to the north were also abandoned.

The recovery of diamonds was limited to land-based deposits until the early 1960s when marine diamond mining began. As technology improved and onshore deposits became depleted, the share of marine diamond production has increased steadily over the years.

Debmarine, a fifty-fifty partnership between the government of Namibia and De Beers Namibia Holding Ltd, and a subsidiary of Namdeb Diamond Corporation (Pty) Ltd, is the largest producer of marine diamonds. It accounts for more than 60% of Namibia’s total diamond production. The Debmarine fleet currently consists of six vessels. An additional one, with an annual capacity of 500 000 carats, is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2021. Production is planned for the second quarter of 2022.

Rough diamonds are cleaned, sorted into different sizes and categories and valued by the Namibia Diamond Trading Company (NDTC) in Windhoek. In terms of an agreement between the Namibian government and the De Beers group, state-owned Namib Desert Diamonds (Pty) Ltd (NAMDIA) is entitled on behalf of the Namibian government to buy 15% of

The mining industry is the country’s largest export earner and accounts for around 56% of Namibia’s exports and around 10% to the GDP. It is also one of the country’s major employers with 16,224 direct jobs.

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the Namdeb and Debmarine diamond production and sell to approved buyers. To ensure local beneficiation, diamonds are locally cut and polished at 13 factories.

In addition to diamonds, Namibia has been endowed with over 100 other minerals. There are 25 mines as well as several small-scale mining operations and exploration companies.

Governed by the Ministry of Mines and Energy, the mining sector is regulated by legislation and guided by the Mining Charter which provides the policy objectives to ensure the sustainable contribution of minerals to Namibia’s socioeconomic development. The mining industry is represented by the Chamber of Mines of Namibia which was established in 1969. The Chamber, which has 103 members, provides a variety of services.

The mining industry is the country’s largest export earner and accounts for around 56% of Namibia’s exports and around 10% to the GDP. It is also one of the country’s major employers with 16,224 direct jobs.

Uranium is the second largest contributor to Namibia’s mining revenue. Namibia ranks among the top five uranium producers in the world. Two operational mines are owned by stateowned Chinese companies. The uranium oxide from these mines is exported mainly to China for its expanding nuclear energy programme. Another two mines are under care and maintenance, mainly as a result of the low global prices of uranium oxide. Exploration has been conducted at several other uranium deposits and more mines are expected to come into production once global uranium prices rise.

Namibia’s first gold mine, Navachab, became operational in 1989. The life of this open-pit mine has been extended to 2040. The second gold mine, B2Gold’s Otjikoto Mine, some 300 km north of Windhoek, came into production in December 2014 and commercial production has consistently exceeded targets ever since. More recent extensive exploration activities in western and central Namibia have resulted in the discovery of potentially rich ore deposits over a large area which could boost Namibia’s ranking among the gold-producing countries to the top.

www.namibiaexpo2020dubai.com

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Namibia’s dimension stones are renowned for their variety of textures, colours and patterns. The Erongo Region is the source of high-quality marble which has been quarried from the hills surrounding the town of Karibib since 1904. High quality granite is also quarried in the Erongo Region and is in demand abroad. Marble and granite are used for kitchen counters, floor and bathroom tiles as well as the exterior finishing of buildings. Most of the production is exported as raw blocks to Asia, Europe and the United States, while smaller volumes are cut and polished at local plants. Sodalite, diorite and slate are quarried on a small scale.

Salt is produced by evaporation of sea water at the coast. Walvis Bay Salt Holdings is the largest producer of solar sea salt in sub-Saharan Africa.

The bulk of the 900,000 tonnes of salt produced annually is partly used in the chemical industry and partly exported to Nigeria, Cameroon, South Africa and Europe. The company also produces table salt for domestic use and for export to countries in southern Africa.

Industrial minerals include fluorspar, bentonite and wollastonite.

Namibia has two cement factories. The Cheetah Cement Factory near Otjiwarongo, 250 km north of the capital, has a production capacity of 1.5 million tonnes a year, while the Ohorongo manufacturing plant north of Otavi in the north has an annual capacity of 1 million tonnes.

Other important minerals include precious metals like silver, which is produced as a by-product of base metals such as zinc, lead and tin.

Production of these metals, however, is from time to time constrained by fluctuating global prices. Blister copper is produced at the Dundee Precious Metals (Pty) Ltd Tsumeb smelter from copper concentrates imported from Bulgaria. The smelter is one of only a few in the world that can treat complex copper concentrates and it also produces sulphuric acid, a by-product of copper smelting.

A variety of gemstones are found in Namibia, such as tourmaline, amethyst, aquamarine, garnet, dioptase, topaz, blue lace agate and rose quartz. These gemstones are mainly mined by small-scale mining operators working under extremely difficult conditions. The gemstones are incorporated into innovative designs by local jewellers inspired by Namibia’s spectacular landscapes, wildlife and diversity of cultures.

The Namibia Mine Stones project was launched in May 2019 to promote the crafting of jewellery mined by small-scale miners in the Brandberg, Erongo and Spitzkoppe areas in the Erongo Region.

Mining exploration has largely been aimed at base metals and minerals such as lithium, cobalt and rare earth minerals in recent years. These minerals are in demand for their use in green technologies such as rechargeable batteries of hybrid vehicles and electronic devices.

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More recent extensive exploration activities in western and central Namibia have resulted in the discovery of potentially rich ore deposits over a large area which could boost Namibia’s ranking among the gold-producing countries.

www.namibiaexpo2020dubai.com

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FAST FACTS

MARINE DIAMONDS & MINING • Mining contributes to about 10 percent of Namibia’s (GDP)

• The mining industry is the country’s largest export earner and accounts for around 56% of exports • It is one of the country’s major employers with 14,500 directly employed people • Richest known marine diamond deposits in the world found off Namibia's coast • Namibia produces approximately 2% of the world’s gem-quality diamonds

• Minerals mined include uranium, copper, gold, lead, tin, lithium, cadmium, zinc, salt and vanadium • Diamond and uranium mining are the two largest industries • One of the top five uranium producers globally

• Walvis Bay Salt Holdings is the largest producer of solar sea salt in sub-Saharan Africa

www.namibiaexpo2020dubai.com

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IT TAKES EXCEPTIONAL ENDURANCE TO FIND NAMIBIA’S PRIDE TODAY AND TOMORROW.

Throughout Namibia’s rich diamond history, Namdeb has played a significant role in contributing to the socio economic development of the country. Every facet of our diamond mining process is aimed at creating value to make lasting contributions safely sustainably and responsibly.

GOOD TODAY. BETTER TOMORROW.

ADVERTORIAL

INNOVATIVE MINING WITH THE SURFACE MINER FOR NAMDEB Namdeb has a proud history of being an industry leader in the adoption of innovation across its value chain. The Namdeb Strategic Projects team is tasked with the identification, investigation and implementation of initiatives that could make a meaningful contribution to the profitability of the operation as well as provide life extension beyond the current mine plan.

Lionel Coetzee, Strategic Projects Manager at Namdeb stated “We want to really challenge ourselves to find innovative opportunities that will firstly complement our existing methods to significantly improve performance, but more importantly also look at transformative initiatives that will assist us to redefine our full potential.”

An example of one of these initiatives was the recent acquisition of a Surface Miner technology to improve the current mining method. The use of Surface Miner technology was identified as a means of mechanical bedrock mining to complement and improve the current gulley mining method which utilizes a combination of excavators (with bucket and rock-breaking attachments) for bulk excavation and manual Trans-vac units for final suction clean-up of remaining gravels. Due to the undulated terrain in the current mining operation, excavators suffer a lot of undercarriage damage.

Coetzee explained that the technology is extensively used and well proven in bulk surface mining operations across the world, especially in softer, less abrasive material like coal and limestone but unproven in a Namdeb Southern Coastal Mines environment. Pilot testing of the surface miner has been conducted to operationally prove and de-risk the technology in this environment and data to develop planning parameters that is used to incorporate the unit into the mining operation was obtained.

A wide range of information was collected including production rate, fuel consumption, wear rates, mechanical availability and mining utilisation, the level and type of skills required to maintain and operate the machine as well as better understanding of how the machine will cope when encountering various rock types and underfoot conditions.

The trial result indicated that the Surface Miner provides a flat bedrock working surface which reduces the amount of undercarriage damage and increases the overall production rate significantly. As a result, Namdeb acquired the unit which has now been integrated into the mining operations. It was acquired from Vermeer Corporation who have their manufacturing base in the USA but are also locally represented in Africa with an office in Johannesburg. Vermeer have almost 100 similar units in operation world-wide and are a leader in the field of surface mining.

The Surface Miner presents a good innovative opportunity for Namdeb to optimise its mining method to create more value as we keep doing the right things today, for a better tomorrow!

www.namibiaexpo2020dubai.com

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MV SS Nujoma- exploration and sampling vessel

NAMIBIA’S ASPIRING BEACON OF MINING EXCELLENCE

DEBMARINE NAMIBIA

In the year 2000 the Namibian Government and De Beers decided to establish a Namibian offshore diamond recovery company.

The result was that Debmarine Namibia became active in January 2001 as the exclusive marine prospecting and recovery contractor of their joint venture Namdeb.

Today, Debmarine Namibia is a marine diamond recovery flagship Namibian Company – making an annual contribution to the Namibian treasury that is unrivalled. Debmarine Namibia continues to set the global benchmark in marine recovery and has become one of the most valuable business units in the De Beers Group.

To meet challenges and harness opportunities, the company invests substantially in human capital development. Debmarine Namibia's 900 employees are the greatest asset, and the youth is valued as the future workforce. The company also secures relationships with contractors who meet the company’s requirements to supply specific marine skills where the company cannot find suitably qualified Namibian skills or awaits qualifications from its development efforts.

Debmarine Namibia conducts marine-based diamond recovery around 120m to 140m below sea level in the Atlantic Ocean off the Namibian coast, recovering diamonds with reliance and appreciation of the power and benefit of technology. Resource development is carried out by scanning the seafloor using geophysical mapping, and this is followed by sampling to determine the reserve inventory.

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ADVERTORIAL

A driller at work

Marine Diamonds A driller observing the drill system on the screens

The company operates a fleet of six Motor Vessels (MV), capable of exploring for and retrieving diamond-bearing materials from the seabed and processing them to a diamondrich concentrate.

The vessels include MV Debmar Atlantic, MV Debmar Pacific, MV !Gariep, MV Grand Banks and MV Mafuta. The sixth is the world’s most advanced diamond exploration and sampling vessel, the MV SS Nujoma.

Two years ago, Debmarine Namibia partnered with the Damen Shipyards Group to construct an additional mining vessel (AMV3) to strengthen the capacity of its fleet. The world’s first-ever custom-built diamond recovery vessel will be the most technologically advanced currently in existence, and its design meets high environmental standards and has a Green Passport. The N$7 billion vessel is expected to create more than 161 new jobs and contribute another 500,000 carats annually to Debmarine Namibia’s production, an increase of approximately 35 per cent on current production Debmarine Namibia proactively develops and implements new ideas for both game-changing and everyday innovation.

Debmarine Namibia is committed to pioneering a new natural diamond world by continuously embarking on innovative ways of recovering diamonds.

www.namibiaexpo2020dubai.com

A rigger preparing the winches

MV Grand Banks on the dock

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CELEBRATE NAMIBIA

Kolmanskop

BUILT ON DIAMONDS From a feverish rush for riches and overindulgence to a sustainable industry that created a value stream within Namibia for Namibians.

Before diamonds were found near Luderitz in 1908, the town was a tiny struggling settlement with a handful of residents.

The small harbour was the only reason the town existed as a scarcity of water, no tillable soil and zero employment prospects was not exactly a strong drawing card to settle here.

But when word spread that diamonds had been found in the area, the town had an influx of fortune hunters and soon new mining towns started popping up in the desert.

Kolmanskop, today the famous ghost town, was the wealthiest and most luxurious of all the mining settlements. It is said that champagne was cheaper than water here - the water had to be shipped in from Cape Town well over 800 kilometres away. The town had unknown luxuries for such a remote and small establishment at the time such as an ice factory, electric street lights and automated bakery. As these things usually go, only a few lined their pockets while others remained none the richer. Soon most of these fields were worked out and the onset of WWI put a stop to the unsustainable lavishness that Kolmanskop was known for.

After WWI, Consolidated Diamond Mines (CDM), a whollyowned subsidiary of De Beers, was granted exclusive rights to diamond mining along most of the Namibian coast. Mining continued in various places, including Pomona, Bogenfels and Kolmanskop until the diamonds fields were exhausted.

The main area of mining however, shifted to Oranjemund with the discovery of the diamondiferous raised beaches near where the town was eventually established during the 1930s.

This area is so rich that it has been mined continuously for nearly 80 years and has yielded 65 million carats of highquality gems to date.

It wasn’t until 1994, four years after Independence, that CDM entered into a partnership with the Namibian Government and Namdeb was formed. This was the first time that a part of the profits from Namibian diamond mining and sales came back to Namibia.

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Debmarine Namibia became operational in January 2002, a joint venture marine diamond prospecting and mining company, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Namdeb Holdings.

During the 1960s it was discovered that large amounts of diamonds were to be found in the Atlantic Ocean having washed in from the Orange River. Today we know that Namibia has the richest known marine diamond deposits in the world. Retrieving these offshore diamonds deposits as deep as from 140 m under the sea has brought Namibia the distinction of being the leading marine mineral mining country.

Namibia Diamond Trading Company (NDTC) was established in 2007, another 50/50 joint venture between the Government and De Beers. NDTC was created as a flagship diamond sorting and valuing brand, contributing significantly to national growth and a sustainable future. Its aim is to provide sustainable, secure, effective and efficient services throughout the diamond distribution chain that adds value to diamonds, whilst driving downstream beneficiation for Namibia.

The value chain of diamonds in Namibia was further boosted in 2016 when the Ministry of Mines and Energy licenced the establishment of Namib Desert Diamonds (Pty) Ltd (NAMDIA). This company is entitled to purchase 15% of Namdeb’s yearly diamond production with the purpose to cut and polish some of these rough gems as well as sell to the international diamond industry including in the UAE. Apart from being one of the country’s main exports, the diamond industry has been responsible for the creation of thousands of jobs for over a century. In recent years, through the creation of NDTC and NAMDIA, an active attempt has been made to add value within Namibia and bring more Namibians into the value chain. What started as a get rich scheme for foreigners has turned into a success story for Namibia and its people.

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MAKING NAMIBIAN DIAMONDS SHINE BRIGHTER

NAMIBIA DIAMOND TRADING COMPANY

At the heart of Namibia’s diamond beneficiation drive, Namibia Diamond Trading Company (NDTC) has been instrumental in not only reinforcing the integrity of natural diamonds but also adequately supporting the local diamond cutting and polishing industry, which creates numerous employment opportunities.

ADVERTORIAL

For Namibia, beneficiation is a logical process that promotes industrialisation and generates significant economic growth; reduces poverty and inequality, thereby allowing Namibian diamonds to shine brighter in the lives of ordinary citizens.

In essence, NDTC has been able to cultivate a phenomenal working culture that sorts over 1.3 million carats annually, strategically applying a unique diamond sorting system which divides diamonds into approximately 12 000 price categories.

The company, which today enjoys generic growth, is a 50:50 joint venture between the Government of Namibia and mining giant De Beers. The joint venture was formally conceived in January 2007 following an agreement to sort, value and market Namibian diamonds.

Despite this, NDTC can trace its roots back to 1988 when the first sorting and valuation activities were established through DTC Valuations Namibia, a wholly owned De Beers company which was tasked with the sorting and valuing of Namibian diamonds until the inception of NDTC in 2007.

Chief Executive Officer Brent Eiseb, a diamond veteran with 24 years experience in the industry took over the reins in January 2019. Under his astute leadership NDTC proudly sees itself as Namibia’s flagship diamond sorting and valuing

brand. The company contributes significantly to national growth and sustainable futures.

Without doubt the mining sector remains a foundational sector for the economy of southern Africa, and its role in the Namibian economy is no exception. Since independence, it has consistently been one of the main contributors to Namibia’s GDP, with an average share of approximately 13% over the past 10 years.

Shaping the future of economic growth in Namibia A key strength of NDTC in the past decade has been that the company was able to shape the future of Namibia’s economic growth through value addition and the export of diamonds by contracted clients called sightholders.

In essence NDTC has been able to sort, value and distribute diamonds mined by Namdeb’s land operations and De Beers Marine and collectively put into Namdeb Holdings. Today, NDTC has 10 sight holders who are contracted to acquire Namibian diamonds from its operations, which they then enhance through value addition, effectively creating jobs and skills for Namibians.

www.namibiaexpo2020dubai.com

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"Allowing Namibian diamonds to shine brighter in the lives of citizens."

NDTC’s greatest asset and culture Despite working with Namibia’s gems, NDTC affirms that its greatest assets are not the diamonds but its human resources who drive the vision of the company. This is why the foundations of NDTC have been built on the notion that employees within the frame of NDTC’s corporate culture are the heart and soul of everything the company does.

As such, shared practices and values that define NDTC’s corporate culture have been imperative in driving the company’s growth objectives as well as its purpose to optimize the full value of diamonds in Namibia.

President Hage G. Geingob inspects an uncut diamond.

In these processes the participation of Namibians promotes skills transfer and jobs. There are also countless indirect benefits such as transport, insurance, banking and security – which are all provided locally. NDTC declares dividends to the government, and those dividends are partially used to build Namibia’s beautiful roads and other infrastructure. All of those benefits help shape the economic future of Namibia and contribute to Namibia’s current developmental blueprint, the Fifth National Development Plan (NDP5).

It is worth noting that since 2007, NDTC has also been able to empower design talents through the Shining Light Awards.

The annual awards celebrate emerging jewellery designers in Botswana, Namibia and South Africa, and provide entrants with a valuable platform to build their careers in the jewellery design industry. Entrants are required to design commercially viable jewellery collections with an artistic interpretation of a given theme. This, too, has been a primary avenue of highlighting the value of southern African diamonds while nurturing skills relevant for future economic growth.

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Through the organisation’s talent management strategy, designed to align group and individual goals and performance with the organisation’s overall vision and goals, the Diamond Academy was created. The academy is the training unit for the organization, which introduces new employees to rough diamond sorting and also shares industry information with staff members.

The academy also offers training to members of the Protected Resources Unit (PRU) of the Namibian Police, to sightholders who are the buyers of gems, to the Ministry of Mines and Energy and members of the De Beers Group of Companies in Namibia.

Indeed, it is true that NDTC’s corporate culture is the lifeblood of the organization. It’s the stamp of identity that keeps the wheels turning. Values, traditions, customs and the strength of the company’s social network form the core of NDTC’s company culture and its ability to face economic adversity and prevail.

A socially conscious and responsible citizen In its 13 years of existence NDTC has constantly demonstrated that it is a socially conscious and responsible citizen. Notably, the company has undertaken to uplift Namibia’s entrepreneurs through an enterprise development regime that is not only integral to their development but also plays an essential role in building a vibrant Namibian business community and creating employment for Namibians.

ADVERTORIAL

Indeed, SME development is clearly a national development priority area for Namibia, and NDTC’s support demonstrates that SME development provides a tremendous opportunity for Namibia to fully unlock the full potential of Namibian entrepreneurs.

When it comes to sound, future-focused investments, NDTC has always been keen to invest where the results have visible impact. Hence the realisation that investing in meaningful economic transformation within black-owned businesses, when paired with business support, has the potential to take SMEs far beyond the survivalist stage and into a profitable growth phase, with far-reaching economic ripple effects for all involved.

One such initiative is the Olafika SME Development Mentorship Programme in collaboration with successful entrepreneur Twapewa Kadhikwa, which seeks to take Namibia entrepreneurs from across the country’s 14 regions on a journey from rough to polished gems.

As such, shared practices and values that define NDTC’s corporate culture have been imperative in driving the company’s growth objectives as well as its purpose to optimize the full value of diamonds in Namibia.

In 2019, 77 SMEs completed the programme. They were successfully mentored and received level 4 entrepreneurship training. This year the programme is currently mentoring 150 Namibian entrepreneurs – 77 men and 78 women – over 10 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ months. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Through the organisation’s talent management strategy, designed to align group and individual goals and performance with the organisation’s overall vision and goals, the Diamond Academy was created.

The Academy is the training unit for the organization, which is tasked with offering rough diamond sorting training to new employees and also shares industry information with staff members.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

NDTC’s support, through its corporate social responsibility commitments, is firmly rooted in its focus on promoting sustainable community development, combating poverty and disease, protecting the environment and enterprise development, and thus developing the capacities of the Namibian people or institutions within the communities where we work.

The Academy has also extended the training to members of the Protected Resources Unit (PRU) of the Namibian Police; Sightholders who are the buyers of gems; Ministry of Mines and Energy and members of the De Beers Group of Companies in Namibia.

Conclusively, NDTC has always acknowledged that the company’s home is Namibia and that it wants to drive the country’s growth. This growth, NDTC believes, should be driven by value addition and other key initiatives that support wealth creation, job creation and better returns to the government.

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This is also rooted in NDTC’s vision which seeks to make NDTC the partner of choice providing sustainable, secure, effective and efficient services throughout the diamond distribution chain, adding unparalleled value to diamonds, whilst driving downstream beneficiation for Namibia.

www.namibiaexpo2020dubai.com

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OUR HERITAGE

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TOURISM & CONSERVATION

Desert-adapted elephant roam through the vast desertscapes of the northwest, even trekking as far as the desolate Skeleton Coast.

Tourism is arguably one of Namibia’s most socio-economically important sectors. The country’s unique natural attractions make it a global destination of choice amongst safari, luxury, adventure and photographic travellers. The variety of landscapes and scenery, healthy and ever-growing wildlife populations, enigmatic and friendly people and general safety and ease of travel have made Namibia one of the top destinations on the African continent. At the core of Namibia’s tourism lie the country's successful conservation efforts, which ensure the continued existence of all that makes Namibia attractive and unique. The world-renowned Community-based Natural Resource Management programme and strong conservation policies embedded in the fabric of government are but two of the drivers of this success.

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Discovering the land of the wild and free

ccording to the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, Namibia’s tourism sector provides full-time employment for an estimated 100,000 people. The COVID pandemic has arguably hit the tourism sector the hardest. Lockdowns and bans on global travel placed tremendous strain on the industry. Though recovery seems to be imminent with the easing of travel restrictions and international travellers regaining confidence in travel, Namibia is still a long way from reclaiming its previous foothold. It is, however, very well positioned as a tourism product for pandemic-weary visitors. The country’s quick and efficient response to the pandemic, low population density (only 2.2 people per square kilometre) and vast landscapes are enticing elements for potential international travellers.

It was therefore no surprise that Namibia was the first country in Africa which the Secretary General of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation visited during the height of the pandemic in 2020. His visit sent a clear message to the world that Namibia has managed the pandemic well and its tourism industry has adapted to the new safe-mode of travel.

There are few places left on earth with such an abundance of space, where wildlife roams freely and man and nature coexist.

Namibia was the first country in Africa to write the protection of the environment into its constitution. It is also one of the only countries across the globe that protects its entire coastline. Namibia’s coastline extends over more than 1,570 km from the Orange River in the south to the Kunene River in the north. The entire coast, with the exception of a few coastal towns, is part of national parks: Tsau //Khaeb and Namib-Naukluft national parks in the south, Dorob National Park in the centre and Skeleton Coast National Park along the northern stretch. Combined, these parks would be the biggest park area in Africa and the 6th largest in the world.

The marine protected area along the Atlantic coast covers one million hectares of ocean.

Namibia boasts 22 proclaimed conservation areas which together cover 17% of the land surface. The most notable

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of them is Etosha National Park in the central north. It is a haven for indigenous wildlife and rated one of the top parks for game viewing in Africa. Namibia is also party to three transfrontier conservation areas – /Ai-/Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park shared with South Africa in the south, Iona Skeleton Coast Transfrontier Park shared with Angola in the northwest and the KAZA TFCA in the northeast.

KAZA, the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area, spans across five countries, i.e. Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Angola, and is the largest conservation area of its kind in the world. With a size of 519 912 km² it is larger than Germany and Austria combined.

The most notable feature of this conservation region are the large herds of migrating mammals that cross manmade borders. The park is home to the largest contiguous population of African elephants (approximately 250,000), large carnivores, massive numbers of plains game and over 600 species of birds.

Namibia’s most photographed destination is certainly Sossusvlei, found in Namib-Naukluft National Park in the southwest. The dramatic scenery of towering ochre sand dunes (among the highest in the world), set against a stark white clay pan dotted with ancient petrified camel thorn trees, is surreal. Sossusvlei also falls within the three million hectare Namib Sand Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the heart of the Namib Desert. The Namib is the oldest desert in the world, estimated at 43 million years and believed to have existed in its present form for at least two million years. It runs parallel to the entire Namibian coastline from northern South Africa and into Angola. At Namibia’s other UNESCO World Heritage Site, Twyfelfontein, visitors can marvel at one of the largest collections of petroglyphs (rock engravings) in Africa, made by San shamans over 6,000 years ago.

Namibia’s acclaimed Community-based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) programme is a revolutionary approach to conservation in Africa. Through the creation of this programme in the early 1990s, soon after Namibia’s independence, the government endowed local communities with ownership rights to the natural resources around them.

Communities set up legal entities, known as conservancies, which have internal governing systems and management

Perhaps Namibia's greatest conservation success story is that of the black rhinoceros. The largest free-roaming population on the globe can be found in the northwest. After a shocking decline by 98% between 1960 and 1995, the population stabilised, with a resurgence in poaching in the years 2012 to 2017. It is estimated that there are fewer than 5,600 black rhinos left in the wild today. Namibia is thought to be home to 95% of them. Since the peak of poaching in 2013, the collective effort of government, police, NGOs and most notably the communities that live in the area, has resulted in poaching operations dropping by 80%.

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One of Namibia's claims to fame is the fact that it is home to the largest cheetah population in the world. An estimated 1,500 of southern Africa's approximately 4,000 free-ranging cheetahs live in Namibia. The distribution of the fastest land animal has been reduced to just 9% of its historical range across Africa. It is thought that cheetahs are currently found in only 29 countries, often in small, fragmented populations. Namibia thus remains a stronghold of these sleek felines, probably accounting for around 20% of the remaining global population.

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plans to derive financial benefits for their members through the sustainable utilisation of natural resources. Examples of such uses include photographic tourism, conservation trophy hunting, harvesting of indigenous plants and the creation and sale of arts and crafts. In turn, these communities are tasked with the protection of their natural resources. In 2019 alone, the CBNRM sector was able to generate around N$ 156 million in revenue. Between 1990 and 2019, CBNRM contributed more than N$ 9.7 billion to Namibia’s net income. This money has been used to not only support the communities living within conservancies, but has also been funnelled into a myriad of conservation initiatives, including projects such as community game guards, anti-poaching activities and human-wildlife conflict mitigation. This economic incentive and sense of ownership encourages communities to safeguard their natural assets and it has proven incredibly successful in Namibia’s nationwide conservation initiatives.

Perhaps Namibia’s greatest conservation success story is that of the black rhinoceros. The largest free-roaming population on the globe is found in the north-western Erongo and Kunene regions of Namibia. After a shocking decline by 98% between 1960 and 1995, due to habitat loss, drought and poaching, the population stabilised, despite a resurgence in poaching in the years 2012 to 2017. It is estimated that there are fewer than 5,600 black rhinos left in the wild today. Namibia is thought to be home to 95% of them.

Since the peak of poaching in 2013, the collective efforts of government, police, NGOs and most notably the communities who live in the area, have resulted in poaching operations dropping by 80%.

Namibia is also a haven for large carnivores, with healthy populations of big cats. Lions, which were nearly hunted to extinction over a century ago, have made a tremendous comeback, with an estimated population of between 500 to 800 in the wilds of Namibia today – according to the AfriCat Foundation. Among them are the now famous ‘desert lions’ of north-western Namibia. A 2019 national leopard census indicated that the “best guess” population of these elusive cats is around 11,700. One of Namibia’s biggest claims to fame in terms of wildlife is the fact that it is home to the largest cheetah population in the world. An estimated 1,500 of southern Africa’s 4,000 free-ranging cheetahs live in Namibia.

Despite being famous for its arid landscapes, Namibia is also home to an expanse of beautiful riverine forest wetlands. From the eastern bank of the Okavango River, the Kavango East and the Zambezi regions stretch out like an arm all the way to Impalila Island where Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana meet. Namibia’s north-eastern regions contain five perennial rivers and are home to large populations of wildlife, including elephant and African buffalo and over 400 bird species. Five national parks and varied habitats consist of broad-leafed and acacia woodlands, mopane and riverine forests, grasslands and floodplains.

From vast arid plains and sweeping desert-scapes to thick bushland and lush wetlands, Namibia’s natural diversity astounds. Paired with a strong and dedicated conservation culture, the country is devoted to preserving its most precious asset – its natural wealth.

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FAST FACTS

TOURISM & CONSERVATION • Namibia has 22 state-run protected areas covering about 17 percent of the country’s land surface • 45 percent of the country is under some form of conservation management

• Namibia’s entire coastline that stretches 1 570 kilometres, is protected with the exception of towns • 86 conservancies covering around 20% of Namibia’s surface area

• 43 community forests that cover approximately 10% of the country • The largest free-roaming black rhino population in the world

• First African country to incorporate environmental protection into its constitution • Some of the highest sand dunes in the world • The Namib is the world’s oldest desert

• Fish River Canyon is one of the largest canyons in the world • Namibia has a high level of biodiversity and endemicity

• Approximately 75% of the mammal species of Southern Africa occur in Namibia

MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FORESTRY AND TOURISM Minister: Hon. Pohamba Shifeta

PrivateSecretary.Minister@met.gov.na meriam.tjaimi@gov.na www.met.gov.na

The mission of the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism is to promote biodiversity conservation in the Namibian environment through the sustainable utilisation of natural resources and tourism development for the maximum social and economic benefit of its citizens.

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LAND OF CONTRAST Namibia is a land of many contrasting landscapes. This unique country is characterised by harsh desert and semi-desert conditions – the reason why it is the second-least populated country in the world. But apart from two deserts, ancient geological formations and vast savanna woodlands you will also find wetlands with abundant vegetation. The extreme beauty of this southern African country with its barren deserts, mighty sand dunes, rugged coastline and luscious wetlands makes it an ideal destination for explorers who appreciate nature’s artistry.

In the west, along the whole length of the country, lies the harsh landscape of the Namib Desert next to the Atlantic Ocean. In the central Namib the perfectly shaped sand dunes of the Namib Sand Sea meet the sea. The extensive dune fields are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The proximity of the desert to the cold Benguela Current causes nightly fogs to rise from the ocean. The fog moisture creates a unique environment which sustains an amazing biodiversity. The Namib Desert is alive with an array of endemic species that have adapted to the arid conditions.

The northern part of the coast is named Skeleton Coast for the many ill-fated ships which floundered along these

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inhospitable shores, their remains relentlessly battered by the elements and the surf. Wildlife, however, thrives in this desert land almost entirely devoid of water. The champion survivor is the endemic Welwitschia mirabilis, an extraordinary plant that lives for hundreds of years. Some specimens are thought to be 2000 years old. Welwitschias occur only in the Namib Desert, along its entire length from northern South Africa to southern Angola.

Turning to the south, you can expect to encounter bugeyed desert rain frogs and what is known as fairy circles, open areas for which scientists can find no explaination.

You can also visit a once forbidden land, now known

CELEBRATE NAMIBIA

as Tsau // Khaeb National Park (formerly Sperrgebiet, a restricted area). Its Succulent Karoo Biome is a global biodiversity hotspot. The southwest of Namibia is part of this unparalleled ecoregion which boasts the world’s widest variety of succulent flora: a total of 6356 plant species, 40% of which are found nowhere else on earth. More than 900 of these species are threatened with extinction.

On your way north, you will find more of Namibia’s natural masterpieces, such as the Brandberg Massif. Home to the famous rock picture called the White Lady and other San paintings that date back thousands of years.

Further north lies the Kunene Region, which shields one of Africa’s hidden gems. The last free-roaming black rhinos traverse these parts. In fact, Namibia is the only country where the range and numbers of rhinos outside national parks are increasing.

Twyfelfontein, or Ui-||Ais, is another national treasure in the Kunene Region. This site holds the most extensive collection of rock engravings on the continent, and as such was proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007. Most of the items excavated there date back to the Late Stone Age. World-famous Etosha National Park is situated in the heart of northern Namibia. Etosha, meaning great white place, is the

name of the huge salt pan at its centre. It is the biggest salt pan in Africa, so large in fact that it is visible from space.

In Namibia’s north-eastern corner the landscape completely transforms into the wetland paradise of the Zambezi Region.

Taking its name from the mighty Zambezi River, the longest east-flowing river in Africa, the Zambezi Delta is a biodiversity hotspot teeming with birds and wildlife. The Zambezi and Kavango river basins form the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area where Namibia, Botswana, Angola, Zambia, and Zimbabwe converge. The jewel is the Okavango Delta (15,000 m²), a World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa.

Southwest of the Zambezi Region, next to the border with Botswana, true adventure awaits in Khaudum National Park, home to abundant herds of elephants and the northern end of the Kalahari Desert.

Namibia is one of a kind. Visitors from all over the globe marvel at the beauty and magnificence of its vast landscapes. You will never cease to be amazed by our natural wonders, whether you choose to explore the southern Kalahari, the central savannah, the Namib Desert or the northern forests and wetlands. Namibia has something spectacular to see, for everyone. This is a land that will captivate you, inspire and regenerate you.

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ESORTS

DISCOVER

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ACROSS THIS LAND OF ENDLESS HORIZONS ANGOLA

ZAMBIA

ANGOLA ZAMBIA

Kavango Zambezi (KAZA) Transfrontier Conservation Area

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Kavango Zambezi (KAZA) Transfrontier Conservation Area

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BOTSWANA

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Etosha National Park

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Etosha National Park

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Iona Skeleton Transfrontier Park

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WINDHOEK Daan Viljoen Game Reserve

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WINDHOEK Daan Viljoen Game Reserve

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Namib Naukluft Park

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Namib Naukluft Park

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/Ai-/Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park

/Ai-/Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park

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SOUTH AFRICA

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SOUTH AFRICA

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THE GREATEST CONSERVATION SUCCESS STORY THE WORLD HAS EVER SEEN When it comes to conservation, Namibia is a leader in Africa. To date, Namibia is one of the few countries in the world that has conservation entrenched in its constitution. This has resulted in a success story like no other, one that is defined by collaboration where government efforts for the protection of wild species are supported through the involvement of communities.

According to Namibia's Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, Pohamba Shifeta, the inclusion of environmental protection in the Namibian constitution “has positioned Namibia as a global leader in conservation as it emphasises the paramount importance of conservation for the country.”

These sentiments are echoed by the CEO of the Namibian Chamber of Environment, Dr Chris Brown, who explains that “Namibia’s record of environmental accomplishment speaks for itself. Through the implementation of appropriate policies, it has created incentives for wildlife conservation, unmatched anywhere in the world.”

The history of Namibia’s conservation culture was truly embedded when after independence in 1990, the government

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established a model that placed local communities at the forefront of protecting wildlife. This was achieved through the establishment of communal conservancies. The residents within these conservation areas are empowered as custodians of the fauna and flora in their surroundings and they are responsible for ensuring their protection. This model also allows communities to utilise their natural resources in a sustainable manner, which has added value to wildlife and ensured the continuation of their avid protection.

According to the Minister of Environment, “the Communitybased Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) programme was established as a tool to empower communities and it creates incentives through sustainable development and co-existence with wildlife. This initiative seeks to link

CELEBRATE NAMIBIA conservation to poverty alleviation through the conservancy programme and tourism initiatives. The programme also provides communities with incentives to manage and conserve their areas and natural resources in order to unlock enormous tourism development opportunities and benefits through Namibia’s wildlife.”

What's more, this initiative has brought many advantages to communities. Listing some of these benefits, Shifeta highlights how the communal conservancy programme has empowered rural Namibians. Such benefits, which are also markers of Namibia's conservation success story, include “the creation of employment (1,544 full-time and 6,000 part-time jobs); improvements to local schools and clinics; advancement of rural water supplies, development in nutrition, human/wildlife conflict mitigation; growth of natural resource management and a voice for rural people in Namibia.”

The innovative and inclusive management of wildlife and natural resources has created a situation where 42% of Namibia is currently under some form of conservation management. This is a phenomenal increase from a mere 13% in 1990.

Namibian conservation efforts have translated into measured successes, as is evidenced by the country’s thriving wildlife populations. According to lion expert Philip Stander, this country is one of the only places in Africa where the number of lions is increasing. Simson Uri-Khob, Chief Executive Officer of the Save the Rhino Trust, points out that Namibia is one of the last places in the world where you'll find freeroaming black rhino outside national parks. This diverse country also stands out as being one of few where African elephant populations are abundant and thriving.

As the CEO of the Namibian Chamber of Environment, Dr Chris Brown, says, “Today, national parks host only 6% of Namibia’s wildlife populations by number (more by biomass), whilst 12% occur on communal land and 82% on private land. Considering the broader landscape, communal conservancies now provide a connection between Etosha and Skeleton Coast national parks and are a key reason for the expansion of both the lion and elephant populations in this region. Land under wildlife and biodiversity management, both communal and freehold, neighbours over 80% of national park borders in Namibia.”

All of this, coupled with strong and active support organisations and non-governmental organisations focused on conservation, has made Namibia a world leader in conservation, for the benefit of communities and with rebounding wildlife populations.

With conservation written into the constitution, passionate conservationists and communities committed to protecting their resources, it is no wonder that Namibia has achieved this position and attracts people from all over the world to witness the abundant fauna and flora in this wild land of natural wonders.

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CULTURAL HERITAGE Namibia is a multicultural country with an eclectic mix of people ranging from the earliest inhabitants, the San, various groups of people who migrated from the Great Lakes of East Africa to the southwestern corner of the continent centuries ago to the descendants of immigrants from Europe. Each of Namibia’s major population groups has its own language and cultural identity which is celebrated with annual festivals and commemorations. There is an almost infinite variety of time-honoured clothing, cuisine, dancing, singing, arts and crafts.

Traditional and modern lifestyles mingle in urban areas.

The heart and soul of Namibia - its people

T

he San, the earliest known inhabitants of Namibia, are divided into five main groups, each with its own history, customs, culture and language. San people are short in stature with a light yellowish brown or black complexion. The language is characterised by numerous click sounds.

When African immigrants arrived from the south and the north, later followed by white settlers, the San were systematically displaced and dispossessed of their traditional territories. The Ju/’hoansi have retained some access to their ancient land, where they still pursue their original way of life by gathering veld food and hunting with traditional weapons. Bwabwata National Park forms part of the core territory of the Kxoe-speaking San. The country's largest population group, the Aawambo, who account for nearly half of the total population, mainly live in north-central Namibia. The Aawambo consist of eight closely related communities under the administration of traditional authorities. Four communities are headed by a leader with the traditional title of Omukwaniilwa or Ohamba (in the case of the Ovakwanyama) – a title loosely translated as king or queen, while the remaining four are headed by a chief.

The Aawambo practice a mixed economy of subsistence agriculture and stock farming with cattle and goats.

Omahangu (pearl millet), sorghum, and beans are the main dryland crops, while a variety of leafy green vegetables is also harvested. Large numbers of Aawambo are employed in the public and private sectors. They are renowned for their business acumen, and the informal sector plays an important role in supplementing family incomes.

They are skilled potters and weavers, known for their basketry made from the fronds of makalani palm trees. The traditionally pink, red and black striped ondelela worn by women at special occasions are now available in a variety of colours. The etanga shirt for men features spots similar to those of a leopard or cheetah. The eight communities take turns in hosting the annual Omagongo Festival, held during the marula fruiting season.

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The people of the Kavango Region are often collectively referred to as the Kavango people, but in fact consist of five diverse communities. They originated from the Great Lakes of East Africa and settled along the Okavango River which forms the boundary between Namibia and Angola. Each community inhabits its own traditional area which is ruled by a traditional chieftainship assisted by a council of headmen.

The people of the Kavango are agriculturalist and cultivate maize, sorghum and millet on the fertile floodplains of the Okavango River once the flood water has subsided. They are expert woodcarvers and produce a variety of household items such as spoons and bowls, decorative items such as masks and animals, and exquisitely carved furniture and wooden doors from teak wood.

Namibia’s far northeastern extremity, the Zambezi Region, is home to four major communities, as well as several smaller ones, which have vastly different origins but are collectively referred to as Zambezians. They practice a mixed economy of crop production, pastoralism and fishing. Maize and millet are the main crops, while a variety of vegetables are also cultivated. The women are skillful basket weavers.

Wooden domestic implements, animal carvings, reed mats, pottery and necklaces made from seed are among the handcrafted products.

The Ovaherero and Ovambanderu inhabit the central and eastern parts of the country. They are primarily pastoralists and consist of several groups who migrated from the Great Lakes of East Africa in the 1700s. The Ovaherero women are known for their distinctive style of dress, adopted well over a hundred years ago. Up to seven cotton petticoats are worn under the flared skirt. The two lateral points of the elaborate headdress symbolises the horns of cattle – and the important role that cattle plays in this people’s economy, culture and religion.

The Ovahimba of the Kunene Region in northwestern Namibia are the descendants of Ovaherero who remained behind when the others migrated further south. They are seminomadic pastoralists who move around with their cattle and goats in search of grazing and water. They are tall, slender and statuesque people. The women still wear traditional

leather aprons, hairstyles and adornments. The red tinge of their skin, the result of a cosmetic mixture containing ochre pigment, is a distinctive feature.

The Nama people, who live mainly in southern and central Namibia, are short in stature and light in complexion. Their language has four distinctive click sounds. Eight groups are the descendants of Khoikhoi pastoralists who migrated from northern Botswana southwards to the Orange River some 3,000 years ago. The increasingly arid environment which they encountered as they moved west eventually forced them to split into two groups. One group settled south of the Orange River in what became known as Little Namaqualand. The other group’s settlement area north of the Orange River became known as Great Namaqualand. The original migrants were joined by five groups of Khoikhoi people, collectively known as Oorlams, who moved from the Northern Cape across the Orange River in the 18th century. Most of the Nama people still live in the arid south of the country where they farm with goats and sheep.

Typical Nama crafts include embroidery, applique and colourful patchwork dresses. Floor rugs and blankets made from small stock and antelope skins, as well as hand-crafted leather shoes are a speciality of the Nama people.

The Nama have a talent for music, poetry and prose. They are excellent dancers and the Nama Stap is without doubt one of the best known dances in Namibia. The full-length colourful patchwork dresses worn by the women are typical traditional clothing.

The Ovaherero women are known for their distinctive style of dress, adopted well over a hundred years ago. Up to seven cotton petticoats are worn under the flared skirt. The two lateral points of the elaborate headdress symbolises the horns of cattle – and the important role that cattle plays in this people’s economy, culture and religion.

The Basters, a self-given name meaning half-caste or bastard, trace their origins to intermarriage and extra-marital relations between settlers of European descent and indigenous Khoikhoi women in the northern reaches of the Cape colony in the 18th century. Regarded as inferior by white farmers, they established several

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independent settlements in the interior, but as the frontiers of the colony expanded northwards a group under the leadership of Hermanus van Wyk crossed the Orange River in November 1868.

They continued further north until they reached the spring of !Anes (later named Rehoboth) where they settled after negotiating with Abraham Swartbooi, leader of one of the Oorlam groups.

Despite the pejorative meaning of the word Baster, the Basters are proud of their heritage and Afrikaans still is their prevalent home language. Large numbers of Basters commute daily between Rehoboth and Windhoek where they are employed in various trades and industries. Many men are actively involved in the building industry. Small-stock farming is practiced in the rural areas.

Traditional Baster attire in the Cape Dutch style is nowadays only worn at special occasions. Women wear long dresses with a white apron and a distinctive white kappie (bonnet), while men wear khaki trousers and shirts, a leather hat and velskoene (hand-made leather shoes).

Namibia is also home to a small community of people of mixed descent, generally referred to as Coloureds. They are found mostly in the central parts of the country and are not to be confused with the Basters.

The Damara people are an enigmatic group whose language and culture remains a mystery to anthropologists. It has been suggested that they migrated from West Africa and arrived in Namibia long before the people who migrated from the Great Lakes of East Africa.

They have no cultural relationship with these groups, are very darkskinned and differ physically from the Nama, but also speak the Khoekhoegowab language.

The long dresses worn by the women, mainly at special occasions, come in a variety of patterns and colours, with a tied head scarf to match. Crafts range from tanned leather products, necklaces made from seeds and beads to traditional dolls. Singing and dancing form an integral part of the Damara culture.

Namibia is also home to the descendants of European immigrants.

The colonial-style buildings lining the streets of the coastal towns of Swakopmund and Lüderitz are reminders of the Germans who first came to Namibia in 1884. An increasing number of Afrikaansspeaking, and to a lesser extent English-speaking, South Africans began settling in Namibia after World War I. They are mainly engaged in farming and commerce and industry.

The Batswana, the smallest population group, live mainly in the eastcentral parts of Namibia. They are mainly pastoral cattle herders, but also engage in crop farming.

Namibia’s diversity of people is further enhanced by a large corps of diplomats, as well as employees of international agencies and nongovernmental organisations – based mainly in Windhoek.

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The people of the Kavango are agriculturalist who cultivate maize, sorghum and millet on the fertile floodplains of the Okavango River once the flood water has subsided.

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FAST FACTS

THE PEOPLE OF NAMIBIA • 2,5 Million inhabitants across 14 regions • 13 ethnic cultures and 16 languages and dialects • Official language is English • Oshiwambo (Owambo dialects) is the home language of more than 50% of the population and is widely understood.

• Khoekhoegowab (Nama-Damara) is the home language of about 10 percent of the population.

• Other languages include those spoken in the Kavango and Zambezi regions, Otjiherero, as well as Afrikaans.

• Many Namibians speak two or more indigenous languages and at least a little of either English, Afrikaans and German • About half of the population lives in the central north • More than one-third of the total population lives in urban areas • The name Namib is of Nama origin and means “vast place” • The San are people believed to be Southern Africa’s first inhabitants.

• Namibia has the the largest population of San who is largely concentrated around the northern Kalahari.

• One of the world’s last nomadic tribes are the Himbas • The Himbas live in the northwest of the country and still, follow their traditional customs and way of life

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, ARTS & CULTURE Minister: Hon. Ester Anna Nghipondoka sec.minister@moe.gov.na www.moe.gov.na

The Ministry strives for continuous improvement in quality inclusive education, teaching and learning, improved learning outcomes, and the production of an educated and skilled workforce needed for a productive and competitive Nation. The Ministry continues to provide equitable inclusive education to 755 943 learners. The Ministry employs 29 391 teachers who are teaching at 1,884 government and government-aided schools.

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Designing inclusive environmental investments The Environmental Investment Fund of Namibia was established to promote the sustainable economic development of Namibia through investment in and promotion of activities and projects that protect and maintain the natural and environmental resources of the country.

NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT & UTILISATION GREEN TECHNOLOGIES, LOW CARBON & CLIMATE CHANGE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH, TRAINING & CAPACITY BUILDING

www.eif.org.na

CELEBRATE NAMIBIA

A MELTING POT OF CULTURE “A nation's culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its people” – Mahatma Gandhi There is a philosophical concept pioneered in our neighbouring country South Africa, but celebrated across the African continent, known as ubuntu. The meaning of the term, derived from various Nguni Bantu groups that make up many of the cultures in southern Africa, roughly translates into humanity.

The phrase also represents the quintessential African belief system of "I am because we are", or the belief in a universal bond of sharing that connects all humanity.

Although we do not have a unique word for it in Namibia, it is a concept and philosophy very much ingrained in the fibre of our own cultural make-ups. The lack of a central word is perhaps due to the fact that Namibia is home to 13 different ethnic cultures and over 16 different languages and dialects. We are a small nation, with only approximately 2.5 million inhabitants dispersed across our vast 824,268 km2 of land, but we are incredibly diverse. Namibia is a melting pot of cultures.

permanent settlements throughout the Kunene Region. Tall, slender and statuesque, they are characterised especially by their proud and friendly bearing. The women are known for their sculptural beauty, enhanced by intricate hairstyles, beautiful skin and traditional adornments.

Considered to be the only truly indigenous people of southern Africa, the San were dubbed the Bushmen by early European visitors and settlers. They are the earliest known inhabitants of Namibia and belong to the Khoesan people. Generally short in stature, they have light yellowish-brown skins, while their language, which differs among the various groups, is characterised by numerous click sounds.

Each culture has its own interesting elements, traditions, fashions and nuances, though perhaps the Ovahimba and the San people are most noted by international audiences.

The San in Namibia are divided into five main groups, each group with its own history, customs and language. The area which is most frequently associated with the San people was formerly known as Bushmanland. The Ju/’hoansi of eastern Bushmanland have retained some of their ancient land and to some extent still pursue their original way of life by gathering veld food and hunting with traditional weapons.

The Ovahimba are thought to be the world’s last true nomads.

Living in Namibia’s remote north-western Kunene Region, formerly known as Kaokoland, they are semi-nomadic pastoralists who migrate with their cattle in search of grazing and water. Despite the modern influences they have been exposed to in the past few decades, they have largely retained their traditional way of life. The Ovahimba live in semi-

Though modernity finds its way into all walks of life, those ancient and truly unique cultures and lifestyles survive despite all odds. In Namibia, the intricacies and the historical value of cultural tradition and traditional knowledge are revered and celebrated. We are a diverse population, yet we celebrate these differences and emphasise the importance of preserving them. I am because we are. We are Namibian.

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Hamutenya luxury headwear has been worn by famous recording artist P. Diddy.

LIVING ART Namibia is awash with diverse culture, heritage and unique landscapes – an ideal place to gather inspiration for art, music, films, fashion and more. This south-western African country oozes a unique cultural energy, a rhythm and a spice for life that it has become renowned for.

Art has always been a part of Namibia, as is seen in the San paintings and engravings found in the Brandberg, Twyfelfontein and Erongo areas. This ancient rock art dates back thousands of years. UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) notes that "between 2013 and 2015, Namibia revised its 2001 National Policy on Arts and Culture formulating the Namibia Arts, Culture and Heritage Policy, which directs efforts in the preservation and promotion of its diverse cultural expressions.” In addition the National Heritage Council of Namibia was established under the National Heritage Act, No 27 of 2004, with the mission to "identify, protect and manage the natural and cultural heritage of Namibia.” This has created a firm foundation on which the arts can flourish.

Namibia has produced world-famous artists. Probably the most acclaimed being John Ndevasia Muafangejo (1943-1987, artwork pictured above), who took the world by storm with his linocuts, woodcuts, etchings, tapestries, altarpieces and sculptures. He was a trailblazing printmaker whose work has been exhibited in the Museum of Modern Art in New York. In 1994, the John Muafangejo Art Centre was established in Windhoek to honour this prolific Namibian artist and his astounding, autobiographical work.

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CELEBRATE NAMIBIA

Music is fast gaining momentum in Namibia as an industry.

Since Independence it has grown an audience across the African continent. Much of Namibian music is deeply rooted in the history of the country. Namibian musicologist, the late Dr. Minette Mans, noted that much of our musical traditions have over time transformed into other new styles through processes of adaptation and appropriation. According to Shishani Vranckx, a singer-songwriter and activist: “Today we find various musical styles in Namibia, both modern (international) and traditional (indigenous).”

To provide space to celebrate the diverse heritage of Namibian music, the Museum of Namibian Music recently opened its doors. It is located in the heart of Omuthiya in the Oshikoto Region in the far north. The Namibian Education, Arts and Culture Ministry's director of heritage and cultural programmes, Esther Moombolah-Goagoses, said at the occasion that “ancestral music knowledge and skill, like the memory of a style of dance passed down through generations, has been recognised by UNESCO as a globally important form of intangible cultural heritage.”

Namibia’s fashion industry is another business sector that is fast making its mark, despite its youthful age. The Fashion Council of Namibia was created only in 2013, with the aim of coordinating and formalising a budding new industry. The capital city, Windhoek, hosted its first-ever Fashion Week in 2016, which since has become an annual display of local and international design talent. The growth of Windhoek Fashion Week has been phenomenal. Today it attracts creatives from all over Africa. According to Board Member of the Fashion Council of Namibia, Disney Andreas: “Home to a diverse and unique set of individuals pioneering the fashion scene, the Namibian fashion industry has experienced significant growth since the establishment of platforms such as MTC Windhoek Fashion Week and Katutura Fashion Week. The industry is building a footprint through creating opportunities in local, African and global communities and markets.”

Namibian fashion designers, too, are fast making their mark on both local and international catwalks. Leah Misika, the Founder and managing director of La Mode Fashions, designs for retailers in Namibia and the United States. Ennio Hamutenya is the Namibian creative behind the international Hamutenya brand which creates luxury headwear. His signature natural burn on the back left corner of each hat is a homage to his deep roots in Namibia. The burn mark refers to the ancient Oshiwambo tradition Ekala po Lupale of keeping the village fire lit in honour of the Alpha of the village or tribe. Hamutenya hats are worn all over the globe, adorning the heads of Hollywood celebrities and others.

www.namibiaexpo2020dubai.com

High fashion garments from international designers made from Namibian Swakara high quality eco-fur.

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EDUCATION

amibia’s expenditure on education ranks among the highest in the world, and expenditure per learner per year is nearly three times higher than the world average. Education has consistently been allocated the largest share of the national budget. As a percentage of GDP it is nearly double the global average of 5%.

The right to education is enshrined as a fundamental human right in the Namibian Constitution. Basic education is compulsory for children from the age of six until they have completed primary school, or have reached the age of 16, whichever comes first. Primary education at state schools is free of charge, but does not include uniforms, stationery or hostel accommodation.

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Education was identified as one of three priority areas by the cabinet at the end of 2020. One of the goals under the Social Progression Pillar of the Harambee Prosperity Plan II is to improve access to quality education and sport. The means to achieve this are: • Improvement and expansion of the education infrastructure • Integrated Early Childhood Development (IECD) • Improved quality of higher education and Technical & Vocational Education & Training (TVET) • Professionalisation of sports The Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture is responsible for the “… provision of an accessible, equitable, qualitative and democratic national education service.” Basic

education is offered in several phases: junior primary (preprimary, grades 1 – 3), senior primary (grades 4 – 7), junior secondary (grades 8 & 9) and senior secondary (grades 10 – 12). The introduction of a Cambridge International Advanced Level (A Level, grade 13) is envisaged for 2022.

Some 804,000 learners attended the 1,920 schools throughout the country in 2020, while the number of teachers stood at 30,766. Despite the large annual budgetary allocation for basic education, the provision and maintenance of schools and hostels are major technical and financial challenges, especially in far-flung rural areas.

The ministry is also responsible for adult education and the education for learners with special needs through the Division of LifeLong Learning. It is also the line ministry responsible for the Directorates of Arts and Culture, and Heritage Programmes. The National Heritage Council of Namibia, the Museums Association of Namibia and the Owela Museum are part of the culture division, while the Directorate of Arts oversees and supports the National Art Gallery of Namibia, the National Theatre of Namibia, the National Arts Council of Namibia and the College of the Arts.

The constitution also makes provision for private schools and colleges. Currently there are more than 120 private schools countrywide. They are not required to follow the national curriculum but they must register with the education ministry and their own curriculum must be approved.

HIGHER EDUCATION Tertiary education falls under the Ministry of Higher Education, Technology and Innovation, whose mandate is “… to regulate higher education and to promote training and innovation in order to drive Namibia towards a knowledgebased economy.” Namibia has two state-funded universities: the University of Namibia (UNAM) and the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), as well as a private institution, the International University of Management. They offer an extensive range of qualifications, complying with international standards, up to doctorate degrees.

UNAM maintains 12 campuses countrywide, including four teachers’ training colleges and two agricultural colleges.

It has over 30,000 students and provides online support to distance-learning students. NUST has a campus in Windhoek and ten regional centres countrywide, and currently a little more than 11,000 students.

The Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF), a statutory body, provides loans or grants to eligible Namibian students at approved institutions of higher learning. Beneficiaries are required to repay the money upon completion of their studies. In 2020 the NSFAF assisted over 14,000 students financially. The National Council for Higher Education (NCHE), a statutory body, is responsible for quality assurance at public and private institutions of higher education. This includes the accreditation of higher education programmes and audits of institutions.

NAMIBIA QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY An extensive variety of courses and qualifications at various levels is offered by private educational institutions accredited by the Namibia Qualifications Authority (NQA), a regulatory body. Its functions include the accreditation of persons, institutions and organisations providing education, courses of instruction or training, as well as the registration of qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). A total of 58 training institutions were accredited by the NQA at the end of 2020.

THE NAMIBIA TRAINING AUTHORITY Technical and vocational education and training (TVET) has been prioritised by the government. The Namibia Training Authority (NTA), a statutory body, is responsible for the effective regulation, funding and quality assurance of TVET. TVET is provided at eight vocational training centres (VTCs) run by the NTA, while several private businesses also offer a variety of trade and specialised training courses.

Businesses with an annual payroll exceeding N$1 million are obliged to register with the NTA and pay the equivalent of 1% of their monthly payroll to the NTA. Employers can claim back a maximum of 50% of expenses for vocational training once a year provided they meet certain requirements. 35% of the levy is allocated to key priority grants, the remaining 15% is used to cover the NTA’s administration costs.

MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION, TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION Minister: Hon. Dr. Itah Kandjii- Murangi Secretary.Minister@mheti.gov.na

The mandate of the Ministry of Higher Education, Technology and Innovation is to regulate higher education and promote training and innovation in order to drive Namibia towards a knowledge-based economy.

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TRADE & FINANCE

Namibia offers a stable investment environment. It is a multiparty democracy which has enjoyed peace and stability since it gained independence from South Africa on 21 March 1990. Fundamental human rights and freedoms are guaranteed by the constitution.

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Namibia has an abundance of natural resources, a sound macroeconomic environment and an excellent transport infrastructure. The country also has a healthy financial sector and a clear regulatory framework for the operation of businesses.

Investment in Namibia is regulated by the Foreign Investment Act, while amendments to the Namibian Investment Promotion Act (2016), which has been passed but is still under review, are in the process of being finalised. Amendments to provisions of the Public Procurement Act to simplify bidding and assessment procedures are also being finalised.

The Business and Intellectual Property Authority (BIPA) is a statutory body established to improve service delivery and ensure the effective administration of business and intellectual property rights (IPRs). BIPA serves as a one-stop-centre for all business and IPR registrations, which has greatly improved the business registration process.

The Public Private Partnership Act has created a conducive and enabling environment for public private partnerships for approved projects. Investment opportunities include renewable energy, specialised education and health services, housing, water provision, land servicing and public-asset maintenance.

The Namibia Investment Promotion & Development Board (NIPDB) has taken over the function of the Namibia Investment Centre (NIC), which used to be a department in the Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade, and commenced operations on 1 January 2021. Its mandate, among others, is to promote and facilitate investment by foreign and Namibian investors and new ventures that contribute to economic development and job creation. It will also implement the Namibia Investment Policy and the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Policy and promote regional special economic zones. The NIPDB will serve as the one-stop-shop in admitting investors in the country.

The Special Economic Zone (SEZ) regime, which replaces the Export Processing Zone (EPZ), is in the process of being finalised. It will define the regime’s governance structure, as well as applicable investment incentives, focusing on all sectors.

TRADE The Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade (MIT) is responsible for the development and management of Namibia’s economic regulatory regime.

More than half of Namibia’s imports are from South Africa, followed by Zambia, China and Bulgaria. China is the country’s largest export market. Other key export markets are South Africa, Botswana, Belgium and Spain. Diamonds, fish, uranium, beef, grapes, salt, zinc, marble and beer are among Namibia’s main export products.

Namibia’s strategic location on the south-western coast of Africa enables market access to SADC (Southern African Development Community) countries with an estimated population of 350 million people. Namibia has positioned itself as a logistics hub and facilitates trade through the Walvis Bay Corridor Group’s four transport corridors which connect it to landlocked neighbouring countries such as Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The country’s road infrastructure has been ranked the best in Africa, and worldwide 21st out of 141 countries by the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Report.

Namibia is a signatory to several bilateral and multilateral trade agreements. It has ratified the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement which will allow free access to commodities, goods and services when it is fully operational.

Namibia’s membership of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) ensures the free flow of goods between Namibia, South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho and Eswatini. It is also a member of the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) and a signatory to the SADC Protocol on Trade.

Preferential trade benefits have been granted to Namibia by the United States until 2025 under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) with duty-free access to the US market for more than 6,400 products. Namibia also enjoys 100% customs-free access to the European Union market under the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between the European Union (EU) and SADC. Furthermore, Namibia also signed bilateral agreements with several countries.

MINISTRY OF INDUSTRIALISATION & TRADE Minister: Hon. Lucia Megano Iipumbu Lucia.Iipumbu@mit.gov.na www.mti.gov.na "Growth at Home" is the theme chosen by the Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade to reinforce the importance of accelerating economic growth, reducing income inequality and increasing employment.

MIT's programmes are geared at removing supply side constraints, increase productive capacity, and increase the competitiveness of the Namibian industry in the domestic, regional and international markets. This Ministry is also responsible for promoting growth and development of the economy through the formulation and implementation of appropriate policies to attract investment, increase trade, develop and expand the country’s industrial base.

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BANKING AND FINANCE Namibia’s central bank, the Bank of Namibia (BoN), is responsible for controlling the country’s money supply, currency, banking institutions and other financial institutions that may be placed under its supervision by an act of parliament. It also performs all other functions performed by a central bank, such as allowing foreign investors to operate forex accounts in Namibia and the free repatriation of their profits.

The banking sector is served by seven commercial banks with international links to facilitate international banking, as well as a network of branches throughout the country and a branch of a foreign commercial bank, all of which are authorised by the Bank of Namibia.

Services include corporate and investment banking as well as asset management.

The Development Bank of Namibia (DBN) provides finance for viable enterprises and sustainable initiatives that contribute to the development of Namibia. The bank offers a range of financial products for approved developmental projects in various sectors of the economy.

Non-banking financial institutions in the financial services industry are regulated and supervised by the Namibia Financial Institutions Supervisory Authority (NAMFISA). These institutions include insurance and medical aid funds, pension funds and friendly societies, asset and investment management and unlisted investment managers.

MINISTRY OF FINANCE Minister: Hon. Iipumbu Shiimi secretary.minister@mof.gov.na www.mof.gov.na The Ministry of Finance is responsible for issues concerning central government finances, including coordination of the central government budget, forecasts and analyses, tax issues, and the management and administration of central government activities. The Ministry is also responsible for matters concerning financial markets and consumer legislation.

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INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT) is mandated to lay the foundation for the accelerated use and development of ICT throughout Namibia. Namibia's two national telecommunications operators, Telecom Namibia and Mobile Communications Limited (MTC), are state-owned enterprises. The government is in the process of selling 49% of its stake in MTC, which will be listed on the Namibian Stock Exchange, during the course of 2021. MTC is continuing the rollout of its ‘081every1’ project which was launched in July 2017. The project, which includes building 524 new base stations, aims to achieve 100% population coverage.

Cellular services are provided by Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC) and TN Mobile, the mobile communications division of Telecom Namibia. Mobile-cellular subscriptions per 100 inhabitants are at 113. Telecom Namibia Ltd, the national fixed line operator, is wholly owned by the government. There are 5.6 fixed-line telephone subscriptions per 100 inhabitants – substantially more than the average number of subscribers for Africa. Telecommunication services and networks, broadcasting services, postal services and the allocation of radio spectrum in Namibia are regulated and supervised by the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN), a state-owned enterprise.

MINISTRY OF INFORMATION & COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY Minister: Hon. Dr. Peya Mushelenga Peya.Mushelenga@mict.gov.na www.mict.gov.na The mandate of the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology is to lay the foundation for the accelerated use and development of ICT in Namibia, and coordinate information management within Government.

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Positive Change through green and sustainability bonds Capricorn Group is a leading diversified financial services group listed on the Namibian Stock Exchange. We have banking subsidiaries in Namibia and Botswana.

We are proud of our flagship brand Bank Windhoek, the regional leader in green and sustainability bonds and a new member of the Nasdaq Sustainable Bond Network.

The accolades of the Green Bond Pioneer Award from Climate Bonds in 2019 and the Sustainable Development Award as the best Green Financial Institution in Namibia in 2021 is recognition for Bank Windhoek’s commitment to the International Capital Market Association’s Green Bond Principles, Social Bond Principles and Sustainability Bond Guidelines.

To learn more about Capricorn Group and its subsidiaries and how we fulfil our commitment to being Connectors of Positive Change, visit Capricorn.com.na

Are you reframing the future or is the future reframing you?

At EY, we believe now, more than at any other time, is an opportunity for organisations to build their resilience, and look to the future through a new lens and set of value drivers. The global pandemic has been an accelerator for change, from fast tracking the adoption and use of technology and new ways of working, to the need to pivot fast to keep up with changing consumer expectations. The changed landscape forces reinvention and at EY, we see enterprise transformation as ever more critical to create long-term value.

As we emerge from the pandemic, organisations are looking to create and shape a new future; to reimagine what’s possible, unlock hidden potential and realise new opportunities together, to help build an even better working world than before.

EY teams are committed to being at the forefront of advanced technology and better ways of working.

Because we understand that transformation affects more than just the bottom line. And transforms lives as much as enterprises. Helping to create value that lasts and builds for clients, EY people and society as a whole.

So ask yourself, what are the new opportunities right now to reframe your future and help build an even better working world? Better still, ask us.

Windhoek office: +264 61 289 1100

Country Managing Partner Jaco Coetzee jaco.coetzee@na.ey.com

Consulting Services Brian Masule brian.masule@na.ey.com

Walvis Bay office: +264 64 205 847

Assurance Services Danica van Wyk danica.van.wyk@na.ey.com

Forensics & Integrity Services Chris Möller chris.moller@na.ey.com

Julia Engels julia.engels@na.ey.com

Tax Services Friedel Janse van Rensburg: friedel.janse.van.rensburg@na.ey.com

Y O U R N A M I B I A N C A P I TA L PA R T N E R

The Königstein Capital Group was established in 2009 as an independent unlisted investment manager that focuses C I G U I D E LI NE S V ERS I O N 2 . N OV E MB E R 2017

on private equity and venture capital fund management in the namibian market. The management team has extensive experience in various sectors of the economy gained over the last 35 years. Our investment objective is to provide investors superior and sustainable returns from a diversified portfolio of investments. With our extensive experience in and knowledge of the namibian business environment, we have the proven financial deal making abilities, track record and strategic partnerships to ensure healthy deal flow, accurate decision making and effective execution.

www.konigsteincapital.com

+264 61 303 227 info@konigsteincapital.com Unit 7, The Village, 18 Liliecron Street, Windhoek, Namibia

Powering trade in Namibia The Namibia Trade Forum (NTF) is an agency of the Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade (MIT) whose main mandate is to institutionalise public-private dialogue and cooperation with emphasis on international and domestic trade and investment policies as stipulated by the National Development Plans.

The role of the NTF is to act as the main consultative body representing private sector views to the government. We drive smart dialogue between the public and private sector in order to influence trade policy, economic growth and a conducive business environment.

The NTF thus serves as the highest public-private dialogue institution on international and domestic trade and investment matters of government. It achieves this function through various means such as workshops, seminars, trade negotiations, meetings ,media releases etc.

•

Understanding Namibian Industries

•

Sector Specific studies and reports

•

Namibian Growth at Home Strategies

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Private Sector linkages in Namibia

•

Understanding Namibia’s trade policy environment

Our work and conduct is always guided by transparency, integrity and inclusiveness.

pital

d adviser elopment nvests in g sectors anitation movable Pension tise, deal

Contact us for:

Location

Phone

Email & Website

15 Marais Street,

Tel: +264 61 235 327

Email: ntfadmin@ntf.org.na

Windhoek, Namibia

Web: www.ntf.org.na

INO HARITH CAPITAL - PROFILE

BUILDING NAMIBIA ONE INVESTMENT AT A TIME Ino Harith Capital (IHC), a leading fund manager and a trusted adviser assists investors in capitalizing and accelerating infrastructure development in Namibia whilst protecting the interests of investors. IHC invests in commercially viable infrastructure projects within Namibia, targeting sectors such as energy, ICT, transport and logistics, health, water and sanitation infrastructure and municipal services (excluding investments in immovable property or property companies as define in Regulation 28 of the Pension Funds Act). These sectors compliment the fund manager’s expertise, deal pipeline and is likely to provide above average investment returns.

Tel: +264 61: 259 045 | Fax: +264 61: 259 056 | Mobile: +264 81 308 8443 | Email: info@ino-invest.com

Omeya Golf and Residential Estate

W W W . W E B S I T E . C O M

20/02/2017 10:19

Setting up business in Namibia

When setting up a business in Namibia, there are multiple factors which need to be considered. These include registrations with certain regulatory bodies, as well as, compliance with specific laws and regulations.

It is important to understand the tax landscape and possible tax treaty relief to determine your Return on Investment as taxes can often be an unexpected cost without proper planning.

Visit the PwC Namibia website for more information at www.pwc.com.na

6 Step Considerations Employing people in Namibia

Establishing a legal entity in Namibia

1

Register a Company or a Branch.

• Consider industry specific registration requirements; and • Consider accounting and audit services.

Note: Consider whether a branch of subsidiary betters suits your group activities.

4

Payments made to Non-Residents

Registration with the relevant authorities

2

3

Register for: • Income Tax at Namibia Inland Revenue (if required); and • Relevant registrations with relevant boards (industry dependant).

Note: Namibia operates a source basis of taxation.

5

Making taxable supplies exceeding N$500,000

Register for: • Employees Tax (PAYE) and Social Security and skills development levies; and • Consider expatriate and payroll administration.

Note: Employees are taxable once they enter Namibia unless double tax relief applies.

Register for: • Withholding Tax on Services, Royalties, Interest or Non-Resident Shareholders Tax (depending on type of payments made).

Note: Withholding taxes are triggered when payment is made from a Namibian resident to a non-resident, irrespective of where services are rendered.

Other considerations

Register for: • Value Added Tax (VAT) at Namibia Inland Revenue; and • Import VAT if you will be importing goods or services.

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It is important to consider: • Foreign exchange regulations for cross border transactions; • Appointment of public officer; and Note: A Namibian bank account would need to be opened.

Contact one of our Namibian experts for assistance:

Chantell Husselmann

Country Senior Partner & Tax Leader chantell.husselmann@pwc.com

Johan Nel

Corporate Tax Partner johan.nel@pwc.com

Ansie Rossouw

Partner in Charge - Walvis Bay ansie.rossouw@pwc.com

© 2021 PricewaterhouseCoopers. All rights reserved. In this document, PwC refers to PricewaterhouseCoopers Namibia, which is a member firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited, each member firm of which is a separate legal entity.

Namibia Chamber of Commerce And Industry

at Dubai Expo 2020

Bisey Uirab President

Charity Mwiya Chief Executive Officer

“Connecting Minds, Creating the Future” Determined to connect the world and put on a show as impressive as did at the Tokyo Olympics 2020, where our country’s young athletes drew global attention and broke the new world record for U20 women’s 200m bringing home a Silver medal, Namibia is poised to bring the nation’s economic vigour to the forefront at Dubai Expo.

Since 1998 when Namibia for the first time participated at the world expo held in Lisboa, Portugal, the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI) as the Premier Business Voice in Namibia has always supported the country’s participation at world Expos.

It is not different for Dubai Expo, which represents an ideal opportunity to position Namibia in the international arena, promote its economy and seize the enormous economic and commercial opportunities that result from it. As one of the first global events to be held in the COVID era, and a first to be held in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region, Expo 2020 is an ideal platform to see the latest innovations and solutions addressing global challenges in the Covid era, while also offering a glimpse into what business will look like in a post-pandemic world.

The NCCI is not only the premier voice of Business Namibia, but it is also the unique link between government initiatives and how they are promoted and implemented in the economy. The industries that drive our economy continue to reflect a hunger for international perspective and participation. The opportunities that exist for linkages and networking at Dubai Expo are attractive to the Chamber to ascertain key partnerships that drive our strategies towards generating robust interaction and collaboration within the SADC region, across the continent and the globe.

Part of our Chamber’s role is to mobilise and facilitate the participation of Namibian businesses in the array of business focused programmes, services and experiences that Expo 2020 Dubai offers the private sector. Connecting Namibian businesses with those from all over the world is clearly in the DNA of the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry and we have geared ourselves towards fulfilling this mandate.

During the mega-event, NCCI will also participate at the 12th

World Chambers Congress, which is the largest event of its kind, bringing together chamber leaders and representatives from around the world.

Hosted by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in partnership with Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry under the theme Generation Next: Chambers 4.0. the focus is on how new technologies are transforming the world we live in today, how chambers and their members can harness change by creating new solutions to today’s most pressing challenges, removing trade barriers and driving global prosperity. This association with sister chambers around the world remains the framework for the NCCI’s strategic efforts to market and promote Namibia’s unique contribution to the world economy.

COVID-19 has realised our market potential as a country, from bringing our business minds into the digital world, to improving the self-sustainability that will drive our future growth plans both internally and in the international arena. It identified Namibia’s key areas of development, in order for us to focus and strategise these towards a sustainable socio- economic future as purposed in our country’s Expo Theme Statement- Preserving and Utilizing National Treasures for Future Generations.

Welcome to the Namibian Pavilion, where we bring the world to experience the uniqueness and contrasting beauty of our country, and the vast investment opportunities she has to offer.

The World Seeing

NAMIBIA as incredible Destination.

Established in 1990 as the umbrella business organisaiton and premier voice of Business in Namibia, the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry is a non-profit private entity, whose mission is to represent, support and protect the interests of the business community in Namibia by creating a favourable business environment, supporting the development of business, and by promoting Namibia as an investment destination.

AGRICULTURE

Agriculture offers tremendous opportunities for contributing to economic growth, job creation, skills development and technological advancement. It has the potential to not only decrease inequality, but also improve living standards and ensure food security, both at national and household levels. The government has identified agriculture as one of three priority areas, and unlocking the potential of the agricultural sector is one of the goals of the Economic Advancement pillar of the government’s Harambee Prosperity Plan II.

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griculture serves as the mainstay industry of the country: around 70% of the population depends on it directly or indirectly. It is also one of the largest direct and indirect employers with a contribution of about 6.6% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform is the line ministry for agriculture, while various sub-sectors of the industry are regulated by statutory bodies. The interests of producers of the various sub-sectors are represented by member organisations.

The agricultural sector consists of a well-developed commercial sector, with around 4,000 commercial farms countrywide, complemented by a large informal sector characterised by subsistence farming. Livestock farming dominates and accounts for more than half of Namibia’s total agricultural output.

One of Namibia’s largest global competitive advantages in terms of beef production may well be the fact that Namibia’s cattle are reared entirely on natural grazing. Namibian beef is of a high quality and free of artificial stimulants. Beef accounts for close to 60% of agricultural exports to markets in South Africa, the United States of America, Great Britain, China, the European Union and Norway. In fact, in March 2020 Namibia became the first and only African country to export beef to the United States of America.

Small-stock farming of sheep and goats for meat and karakul pelts is practiced mainly in the arid south of the country, though the national stock has been reduced significantly as a result of a prolonged drought. South Africa is the main market for exporting sheep, but investigations are underway to explore other potential markets such as the UAE and beyond.

Namibia is also known to be a major pork producer. A number of small pig farms produce around 50% for the local market. The pork sector is protected under the Pork Market Share Promotion Scheme (PMSPS) which has been extended until 30 September 2028.

There is an urgent need to speed up modernisation and transformation within Namibia’s agriculture sector, and need always entails opportunities as well. Namibia is very optimistic that much can be achieved with effective publicprivate partnerships and the right investments aimed at transforming agriculture into a vertically and horizontally integrated sector.

GREEN SCHEME POLICY The government’s Green Scheme Policy was devised to attract investment and boost food production through irrigation schemes in communal areas in the north-central and northern parts of the country which have perennial rivers.

Agro projects have also been established along the Orange

River on the southern border and at Hardap Dam, 270 km south of Windhoek, and Naute Dam near Keetmanshoop.

The policy aims to: • Increase agricultural production and sector contribution to the GDP • Promote investment in food production and the agro industry • Mobilise private and public capital for investment in agriculture • Promote food security at national and household levels • Diversify agricultural production and products for domestic and export markets • Promote research and adaptation of technology to increase productivity • Promote value addition and job creation • Promote skills development and technology transfer • Eight of the 12 green scheme irrigation projects across the country are managed by the Agriculture Business Development Agency (AgribusDev), a statutory body, while four are leased to the private sector as prescribed in the Green Scheme Policy.

AGRONOMY AND HORTICULTURE Despite its arid environment, Namibia produces a variety of crops, including white maize, wheat and mahangu (pearl millet). Around 50% of Namibia’s white maize crop is produced in the Grootfontein-Otavi-Tsumeb triangle under dryland conditions. White maize is produced under irrigation at several Green Schemes, mainly along the Okavango River and below Hardap Dam. Mahangu (pearl millet) is cultivated under dryland conditions in the northern-central communal areas which are subject to periodic droughts.

The horticultural industry is regulated by the Namibian Agronomic Board, a statutory body which is mandated to promote the industry and to facilitate the production, processing, storage and marketing of controlled products in Namibia.

Fresh agricultural produce includes tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, cabbage, butternuts, beans and groundnuts, dates, grapes, watermelons and others under irrigation. Cereal crops include maize, pearl millet (mahangu), wheat and sunflower. Increased horticultural production indicates that massive opportunities still exist within the sector. Today, there are about 500 farmers (330 smallholders) in the country, but Namibia remains a net importer of horticultural products, mainly fruits.

The trade in white maize, wheat, mahangu and products derived from these cereals is controlled by the Namibian Agronomic Board with the aim to encourage increased local production and to meet the country’s food security goals.

A variety of vegetables are grown by commercial farmers, while vegetables are also produced at several Green Schemes. Although the local production of vegetables has

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increased significantly since independence, Namibia still imports about 65% of its vegetables, mainly from South Africa. Less than 5% of the country’s annual demand for fruit is produced locally. Namibia's table grapes, produced along the Orange River in the far south, are the second most important agricultural export product in terms of value.

Important export markets are Europe, the UK, the Middle East and North America.

The market share promotion (MPS) was introduced in 2005 to promote local production of horticulture products.

Currently, fresh produce traders must buy 47% from local

producers before they can obtain a permit to import the remaining 53%. The Agro-Marketing and Trade Agency (AMTA), an organisation under the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, is responsible for the management and trading of agricultural produce in Namibia.

Other sub-sectors include the dairy and poultry industries, game farming, trophy hunting and the export of charcoal – also a well-known product which earned Namibia an export volume of 160 000 tonnes in 2016. The country currently ranks among the top ten charcoal exporting countries worldwide, with core markets in South Africa, UAE, UK, Germany, France and Greece.

The Government continues to ensure that key performance indicators hit national agricultural policy targets, including improved rangeland management, increased agricultural production, increased yield per hectare, national and household food security, food self-sufficiency, horizontal and vertical integration of agriculture value chains, and optimal utilisation of resources. Namibia is currently drafting an Agri-food Sector Strategy document that is being formulated with the technical assistance of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, WATER & LAND REFORM Minister: Hon. Calle HG. Schlettwein www.mawf.gov.na

The mission of the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform is to realise the potential of these sectors towards the promotion of an efficient and sustainable socio-economic development for a prosperous Namibia.

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CELEBRATE NAMIBIA

DELICACIES TO DELIGHT THE WORLD A country of two deserts, the Kalahari and Namib, one would not necessarily expect Namibia to produce food to meet domestic needs, let alone export. Yet, thanks to its rich natural resources, innovation, ingenuity and enough perseverance it boasts a range of products sought after globally. Here is a brief look at some of them.

Namibia is not only a country with a big appetite for meat but also a proud exporter of top-quality red meat, especially beef.

The vast savanna woodlands of central and northern Namibia allow for extensive cattle farming. Free-range, grass-fed cattle is reared on large tracts of land. In 1991 Namibia became the first African country to ban the use of growth hormones and antibiotics. Namibia’s approach to cattle farming and processing has been rewarded: prime cuts are exported to Europe, and Namibia was the first African country to sign a beef export agreement with China in 2015 (exports started in 2019), as well as the first and thus far only African country to export beef to the United States (since early 2020).

Beer is another big thing in Namibia. Its popularity is due partly to the refreshing effect of the malty beverage on a hot summer’s day, partly to the German influence in colonial times and to a large degree to the world-class range produced by Namibia Breweries Limited (NBL). Situated in Windhoek and over 100 years old, NBL still brews according to the traditional German Reinheitsgebot.

This 500-year old Bavarian purity law for breweries states that only three ingredients may be used: water, barley and hops.

NBL beers are loved at home and abroad. They are exported to Tanzania, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Zambia, the DRC, Mauritius, St. Helena, the UK, Germany, the USA and Australia.

Namibia’s 1500 kilometre coastline is blessed with the nutrientrich waters of the Benguela Current System. In terms of biodiversity and biomass this important marine ecosystem is one of the most productive in the world. Therefore, it is not surprising that fish products, mainly frozen but also processed, are Namibia’s largest export industry after mining. Seafood exports include hake, horse mackerel and pilchards as well as rock lobster, crab, oysters and kelp.

Less than 5% of the country’s annual demand for fruit is covered locally. Table grapes are one of the exceptions and they are cultivated so successfully under irrigation that they have become the second most important agricultural export product after red meat. In fact, only about 1% of the table grape harvest is consumed in Namibia. Most vineyards are situated along the northern bank of the Orange River where the hot summer climate produces deliciously sweet berries. The 2020/21 season yielded an exceptional harvest of almost 39 000 tonnes. Grapes ripen from early November until January. In some years Namibia has a slight advantage of a crucial week or two over South African producers, which means that Namibian table grapes can reach the markets of Europe, the Middle East and North America earlier than their rivals.

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Meat Board

of Namibia

FROM

NAMIBIA, a FOR NAMIBIA.

P O Box 38 Windhoek Tel +264 61 27 5830 Fax +264 61 22 8310 info@nammic.com.na www.nammic.com.na

NAMIBIAN

BEEF

Namibia, situated in Southern Africa, directly north of South Africa, boasts beautiful and diverse landscapes. Their most well-kept secret is the amazing quality beef produced from cattle left to roam freely in the vast veld lands of this land, thus enhancing the succulence and flavour of the beef.

Namibia’s Meat production is based on the pillars of no growth stimulants or hormones and the rearing of animals in a natural, free-range environment.

In accordance with the Prevention of undesirable Residues in Meat Act 21 of 1991, Namibian meat is free of growth stimulants and hormones.

Meatco’s farmers are committed to these specific livestock farming practices, ensuring a unique, tender, and full of flavour product.

To ensure continual supply and to assist natural free-range production, Meatco further uses feedlots where younger cattle are fed naturally with produced fodder to achieve their required slaughter weight and perfect marbling of the beef.

Namibia is the only African country to have its own farm assurance scheme, Farm Assured Namibian (FAN Meat) which is monitored and enforced by the Competent Authority. This standard looks at animal welfare practices which guarantee humane handling of animals.

Only high quality and healthy animals are always delivered to our Meatco Abattoir. Slaughtering, deboning, and packaging occur within our world class abattoir with verifiable certification for its Food Safety System, benchmarked against the best in Europe and the United States of America. The abattoir is Halaal approved and independently audited to the international standards food safety BRCCG FSSC 22000. All functions are under the strict control of the competent authorities.

HEAD OFFICE P.O. Box 3881 Windhoek, Namibia

LIKE US ON: MEATCO

Northern Industrial Area Tel: (+264 61) 321 6006 Fax: (+264 61) 321 6401

: @MeatCo_Namibia Website www.meatco.com.na Mobile App https://mobile.meatco.com.na

“A world class regulator of a vibrant, diversified and sustainable crop industry”

THE NAB OFFERS THE FOLLOWING SERVICES TO THE AGRONOMY AND HORTICULTURE INDUSTRY: • • • • • • • • •

Border Control Inland Inspections Product Quality Inspections Cold-Chain Management Permit Issuance Crop Value Chain Research Information and Advisory Services Production & Market Facilitation Storage & Value Addition Facilitation

+264 61 379 500 +264 61 225 371 nabdesk@nab.com.na PRO@nab.com.na www.nab.com.na

No 8, Rieks Van Der Walt Street, Windhoek, Namibia Tel: +264 61 304 400 admin@eoscapital.com.na www.esocapital.com.na

MISSION

To stimulate the agriculture sector through growth investments in climate adapted, and expertise- and technology-driven projects across the value chain.

Eos is a leading Namibian Private Equity firm with a 6-year track record supported by a strong team of experienced professionals.

Eos’ objective is to contribute to the growth of the Namibian economy and to provide attractive returns to investors.

STRATEGY

WHY EOS

• •

- THE IDEAL PARTNER FOR YOUR NAMIBIAN AGRICULTURE INVESTMENT • •

• • •

MARKET KNOWLEDGE: Our team knows the market and what works.

We make projects happen NETWORK: We are well-connected to local public and private sectors through our Boards and own networks, while our international partner networks brings expertise, co-investors and other resources TRACK RECORD: We have a track record of success (fundraising, deployment, value creation) and are a highly respected local player ETHICS: We operate according to the highest professional and corporate governance standards, with rigorous oversight of all our funds ESG: A strategy that underlines all our investment decisions and permeates the way we work, including empowerment of women and previously disadvantaged communities through ownership, leadership and employment

N$100M (USD 7M) RAISED TO DATE - FUNDRAISING NOW!

Make growth investments in climate-adapted, expertise- and technologydriven projects across the agri value chain, delivering attractive returns by bringing together capital, expertise and technology, which will: •

Reduce carbon footprint of food production by prioritising investments that are environmentally friendly Increase exports of agricultural products internationally Support creation of add value in Namibia to deliver high quality, differentiated products LIFE STAGE OF INVESTMENTS: brownfield and greenfield INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS: equity and quasi-equity FUND TERM: 10 years +2 TARGET IRR: 18%+ per annum INVESTMENT SIZE: N$10m (minimum) [$585k USD]

Commercial agriculture and horticulture - Greenfield project to grow high value/permanent crops using soilless farming Agricultural inputs - Growth capital for expansion of an organic fertilizer production Agriculture services - Growth capital for an irrigation business Agro-processing and Agri Infrastructure - Greenfield project for production of Bio Char and export charcoal Retail, distribution and logistics - Growth capital for an established distributor expanding into the fresh produce retail sector

In December 2021, Namibia Expo 2020 Dubai will be hosting the

Braai in Dubai

to showcase one of our most prized export products - our world-renowned beef.

BLUE ECONOMY

Namibia’s strategic geographical location and access to the Atlantic Ocean with its rich fishing, mineral and other resources, as well as its spectacular coastal scenery, offer immense opportunities to develop the country’s Blue Economy to serve as a catalyst for value addition and job creation, socio-economic development and economic growth in an ecologically sustainable manner. Blue Economy refers to the use of ocean resources for sustainable economic development. For Namibia, a sustainable blue economy should provide not only economic, but also social benefits for present and future generations. A Blue Economy recognises marine ecosystems as natural assets and protects and maintains them accordingly. It also aspires for social and economic stability through the use of clean technology and renewable energy.

T

he Benguela Upwelling System off Namibia’s coastline is one of the most productive fishing grounds in the world. With an Exclusive Economic Zone of 200 nautical miles, Namibia’s marine fisheries industry ranks among the top in Africa and it is the country’s largest export earner after mining. The coastal fishing waters support seven main commercially exploited species, as well as a variety of other species which are landed in smaller volumes. Namibia’s fishing industry is well known for its world-class capabilities in handling, packaging, distributing and marketing its marine products – mainly to Spain and destinations in Asia.

southern coastal town of Lüderitz is the centre of the rock lobster, swordfish and tuna industries. Smaller catches of hake are also landed there. Several fishing companies have made major investments to add value to onshore factories and facilities, while the construction sector has also benefited from coastal developments.

Namibia is Africa’s third largest capture fisheries nation after Morocco and South Africa and ranks among the top ten fish producing nations globally. Walvis Bay, the hub of the fishing industry, accounts for around 90% of the landings, while the

The nutrient-rich Benguela Upwelling System with its high primary productivity creates ideal conditions for mariculture.

This relatively small industry is growing steadily and centres on the sheltered lagoons at Walvis Bay and Lüderitz. Namibian

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The Namibian Islands’ Marine Protected Area (NIMPA) stretches for 400 km along the coast north and south of Lüderitz and 30 km offshore. It protects the marine environment of ten small islands and eight islets and rocks used by seabirds as breeding sites.

oysters, renowned for their quality, and black mussels are harvested there. Other mariculture products include abalone, seaweed and kelp.

The extraction of non-living resources is another established Blue Economy activity. The 100 km stretch of ocean coast north of the Orange River is a treasure chest of top quality gem diamonds. Marine diamond mining dates back to the late 1950s and early 1960s and has become increasingly important as land-based diamonds are nearly depleted. Diamonds are Namibia’s largest export earner. Phosphate mining is an emerging industry, but has yet to be approved.

The dominant southwesterly winds along the coast create ideal conditions for generating wind energy. The generation of tidal energy is another possibility. Namibia is the most arid country in sub-Saharan Africa and desalination of ocean water to supply the coastal towns of Walvis Bay and Swakopmund, the interior and even landlocked Botswana is under consideration.

Situated on the south-western coast of Africa, Namibia’s main port, Walvis Bay, is strategically located to become a major port of call on the maritime transport route around Africa.

Namibia has positioned itself as the logistics hub for the imports and exports of landlocked SADC (Southern African Development Conference) countries. Four transport corridors link the ports of Walvis Bay and Lüderitz to South Africa and Angola, as well as several landlocked SADC countries.

To facilitate the flow of goods, the infrastructure of the Walvis Bay port has been extended significantly. Its handling capacity has been increased from 350,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) to 750,000 TEUs. The new cruise vessel berth is expected to increase the number of passenger liners calling at Walvis Bay, which in turn will boost the local tourism industry.

These developments have also stimulated a wide range of logistics services.

Tourism along the 1,570 km coastline is largely centred around five towns: Oranjemund and Lüderitz in the south and Walvis Bay, Swakopmund and Henties Bay on the central coast. Guided tours, quad biking, horse and camel excursions, a variety of dune sports and yacht trips are among the established leisure activities offered in Walvis Bay and

Swakopmund. The Orange River Mouth, Sandwich Harbour Lagoon and Walvis Bay Lagoon have been designated as wetlands of international importance and are popular birdwatching destinations. Self-drive day and overnight excursions into the desert along demarcated routes are another popular activity. A wide range of accommodation options, from luxury lodges and hotels to guest houses and camping sites, is available at the coastal towns.

Namibia’s coastline is renowned for its spectacular scenery – dunes meeting the ocean, gravel plains interspersed with rocky outcrops, solitude and the many stories around the Skeleton Coast which was feared by early navigators.

Apart from four urban centres and a peri-urban area, the entire coastline from the low water mark further inland for distances ranging between 35 km and 200 km is part of four conservation areas managed by the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism.

The coast is renowned for its excellent angling. Recreational beach angling is permitted in designated areas at Lüderitz, the central coast between Walvis Bay and the southern boundary of Skeleton Coast National Park, as well as specified areas in the park.

Other potential new and emerging industries include pharmaceuticals, blue carbon trading and biotechnology.

The Namibian government is committed to develop an implementation plan to attract private sector investment to the Blue Economy for value addition. It is one of the activities of the ‘Develop Complementary Engines of Growth’ goal of the Economic Advancement pillar of the Harambee Prosperity Plan II. In terms of the plan, “a portfolio of green and blue projects will be developed in conjunction with local and international financial institutions and development partners and will be launched as an HPPII initiative by the Fourth quarter of the 2021/22 financial year. The same cluster will also work closely with the non-banking financial institutions and development partners to explore the possibility of creating project bonds, green, blue and transition bonds to fund the said projects throughout the HPPII period.”

MINISTRY OF FISHERIES & MARINE RESOURCES Minister: Hon Derek Klazen gregentia.shikongo@mfmr.gov.na

The Ministry's mandate is to responsibly manage the living aquatic resources and to continuously ensure a conducive environment for the fishing and aquaculture sector to prosper. The vision of the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources is for Namibia to be a leading nation with a well-developed aquaculture industry.

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Positively Our core purpose is to be a leading global fish protein company, creating sustainable value and positively impacting the lives of all our stakeholders.

While some may see just a fishing company, we pride ourselves on being so much more.

Since our establishment in Walvis Bay in the early 1990s, we have achieved a reputation as a credible, stable and preferred supplier of horse mackerel (Trachurus capensis), harvested and processed to international standards on our two Namibian flagged vessels, with a combined annual capacity of 60 000 tons.

Incorporated in 1918 and listed on the Johannesburg (JSE) and Namibian (NSX) stock exchanges, Oceana Group is an important participant in the South African, Namibian and US fishing industries. We are ranked as one of the top 20 seafood companies in the world by market capitalisation. We market and sell approximately 276, 000 tonnes of fish and fish products to consumers across the consumer spectrum, in 46 countries within Africa, North America, Asia, Europe and Australia.

As a leading employer and long-term investor in the local fishing industry, our legacy as a responsible and ethical Namibian company underwrites our motto: We fish to empower, equip and transform lives.

As a global company transformation and localisation are key elements of our strategy. Our global thinking has local impact, ensuring responsible and efficient conversion of Namibia’s natural resources into nourishment, transforming growth into jobs and opportunity into partnerships.

We equip our stakeholders to grow with the company and share the value we create through sustained job creation, skills development, worker ownership and empowerment initiatives and ongoing supplier and client development.

Our drive to positively impact lives in Namibia through our three local companies, Erongo Marine Enterprises, Etosha Fishing and Commercial Cold Storage, has momentum.

Devoted to the transformation of the fishing industry, we empower our stakeholders through a dedicated Namibianisation strategy across the entire value chain.

As good corporate citizens we transform the lives of ordinary Namibians by converting our fishing rights into broad-based social and economic benefits in a sustainable and inclusive manner. Simply put... we care.

imPacting lives Etosha Fishing Corporation pioneered Namibia’s fishing industry in the 1940s with the country’s first fishmeal and canning plant.

Commercial Cold Storage (CCS) Namibia is the largest and most advanced cold store in Walvis Bay and forms an integral part of the local fishing industry’s value chain.

Today our commitment remains steadfast in our quest for sustainable resource management, job creation and industry development.

Our quayside location within the Namport harbour facilities ensures the fastest turn-around times for vessel offloading.

We are the industry leaders in terms of volumes handled, size of our customer base, competitive rates and quality of service.

We are the proud Namibian home of the iconic and market leading Lucky Star canned pilchard brand since 1999. We also pioneered value addition of Namibia’s horse mackerel with the establishment of our own EFUTA Maasbanker brand in 2013.

Certified for quality and compliance, our products are testimony to our dedication and conform to our vision: “excellence in food processing”. Our world-class cannery operates under HACCP compliance and EU Accreditation.

All our products comply with the regulations and standards set by South Africa’s National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications and the Namibian Standards Institution.

We are an award-winning manufacturer and have asserted our position as Namibia’s prime producer of canned fish products.

Erongo Marine Enterprises (Pty) Ltd 116 The-Ben Gurirab Street, Walvis Bay Tel: + 264-64-219 200 Email: info@erongo.co.za www.erongomarine.com.na

CCS Namibia is part of CCS Logistics, which owns and operates cold storage warehouses across the major centres and harbours of Namibia and South Africa. Collectively CCS offers customers more than 110 000 pallet positions of temperature-controlled storage and handling capacity in Walvis Bay, Cape Town, Gauteng and Durban.

Our exemplary track record in developing human capacity and maintaining excellent employee relations is clearly illustrated by the fact that some of our employees have been with us since our establishment in Namibia more than 30 years ago.

Etosha Fishing Corporation (Pty) Ltd 1 Rikumbi Kandanga Road, Walvis Bay Tel: +264-64-215 600 Email: info@etoshafish.com.na www.etoshafish.com.na

Commercial Cold Storage (Pty) Ltd

Port of Walvis Bay, Tel: +264-64-213 300 Email: customerservice@ccslogistics.co.za www.ccslogistics.co.za

HEALTH

Namibia’s constitution requires the state to ensure “… that every citizen has a right to fair and reasonable access to public facilities and services in accordance with the law.” The government is committed to Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and, consequently, public health has been one of the largest budget items since independence.

Public health care is provided by the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) which is also responsible for the regulation of health care services and professions. Primary health care is fundamental to the ministry’s strategy to deliver accessible, affordable and targeted public health services to every Namibian. There are 431 public health care facilities country-wide, including 27 hospitals. Windhoek Central Hospital is the national referral hospital, while Katutura Hospital (also in the capital), Rundu in the Kavango-West Region and Onandjokwe and Oshakati in north-central Namibia are intermediate hospitals. There are 37 health centres and, especially for people in remote rural areas, over 280 clinics and mobile clinics. Ambulance services are provided for patients in need of emergency medical care.

Namibia’s size, combined with the fact that it has one of the lowest population densities in the world, poses a serious challenge to providing universal access to services.

HIV/Aids, tuberculosis, respiratory diseases, strokes and cardiac conditions are among the most serious health conditions. There has been a reduction of 36% in the number of new HIV/Aids infections between 2010 and 2019, and the prevalence rate for HIV/Aids among people between 15 and 49 years old is 11.5%. Coverage of adults and children receiving antiretroviral therapy stood at 85% in 2019. Malaria is endemic in the north of the country, but various control measures are in place. Namibia, like the rest of the world, is battling to contain the further spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country and has rolled out vaccination campaigns.

Namibia does not have a national health insurance fund.

Patients who have the means pay nominal fees at public health facilities, while selected categories of patients are treated free of charge. Private health insurance is provided by ten medical aid societies and the Public Service Employees Medical Aid Scheme (PSEMAS) for government employees and their families. The Namibia Financial Institutions Supervisory Authority (NAMFISA) is responsible for, among others, the registration of medical aid fund rules and monitoring the financial soundness of funds.

PRIVATE FACILITIES A vibrant private health sector caters for higher income groups and those with medical insurance. Private health services are provided by over 200 facilities countrywide. In addition to five private hospitals in Windhoek, there are also private hospitals in the coastal towns of Swakopmund and Walvis Bay,

Otjiwarongo and Tsumeb in the north as well as Ongwediva in north-central Namibia. They are equipped with state-of-the art technology and provide a wide spectrum of medical services including general and specialised surgery which meets international standards. However, investment opportunities to build more private hospitals exist in other parts of the country.

Private medical treatment is also available at health centres and clinics throughout the country, and registered private medical practitioners provide a comprehensive range of services. Pathology diagnostic testing is done by Pathcare Namibia and the Namibia Institute of Pathology (NIP), a statutory body. The Blood Transfusion Service of Namibia (NamBTS), an autonomous body, is responsible for the collection and testing of blood and the supply of safe blood products in Namibia. Private ambulance services, emergency and medical evacuation, including air rescue, are available in Windhoek and the major towns.

REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT The health sector is governed by a number of statutory bodies to ensure professional health care. Medical practitioners, dentists and staff employed in certain professions allied to the medical profession are regulated by councils, whose functions include the registration of practitioners. The Namibia Medicines Regulatory Council (NMRC) is responsible for the development and maintenance of internationally acceptable standards of medicines control. Training for health professionals is provided at the University of Namibia’s schools of medicine, nursing, pharmacy and public health. The Namibia University of Science and Technology’s Faculty of Health and Applied Sciences offers a variety of courses.

The Health Professions Council of Namibia is responsible for controlling and exercising authority in respect of “… matters affecting the education and training of healthcare professionals and the way they practice their respective professions.” It consists of five councils: the Medical and Dental Council, Nursing Council, Pharmacy Council, Social Work and Psychology Council and the Allied Health Professions Council.

Despite favourable consumer surveys, the MoHSS recognises that service quality must be improved at all levels, especially in primary health care, obstetric care and ambulance services.

The MoHSS is committed to making improvements in these areas and is working on several reforms, such as restructuring the MoHSS, systems integration, improved NHA and implementing the Health Extension Workers Strategy.

MINISTRY OF HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES Minister: Hon. Dr Kalumbi Shangula minister.secretary@mhss.gov.na www.mhss.gov.na The Ministry of Health and Social Services of Namibia (MOHSS) is the leading provider of quality healthcare and social services. It works toward providing integrated, affordable, and accessible quality healthcare and social services as per the needs of the population. The mandate of the Ministry of Health and Social Services is to promote and protect the health of the people of Namibia and to provide quality social services.

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HOUSING DEVELOPMENT Namibia, like most developing countries in the world, has experienced rapid urbanisation as people migrate to urban areas in search of employment and better prospects. In the three decades since independence, Namibia’s urban population has doubled from 27% to 54%. The population of the capital, Windhoek, alone has increased from 139,000 to 431,000 during the same period.

T

he rapid rate of urbanisation has exceeded the capacity of local authorities and the central government to provide services and housing for the ever-increasing informal settlements that have sprung up around urban areas throughout the country. More than 400,000 people live in informal settlements.

Access to land, basic municipal services and housing are among the government’s top national development priorities.

The National Housing Policy provides the strategic and policy framework within which public and non-state entities are expected to undertake their housing development, financing operations and activities.

The policy identifies key strategic challenges faced by the housing sector: • The capacity to deliver land and housing • Tenure security • Access and affordability • Integration of housing and service infrastructure • Financing the housing sector • Standards and service levels • Town planning and proclamation • Enabling environment • People’s housing processes Housing was identified as one of three priority sectors by the cabinet in late 2020. Under the Economic Advancement Pillar of the Harambee Prosperity Plan II (HPPII) the government will accelerate the delivery of ultra-low-cost housing in various regions of the country to stimulate economic activity and ultimately boost the construction sector.

The HPPII has set a target of delivering 85,000 housing units countrywide by 2025 through the following public and private stakeholders: the National Housing Enterprise (NHE), the Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF), the Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia, Ongos Valley, regional councils, local authorities and other private sector developers.

An affordable housing initiative for ultra-low income earners among residents of six informal settlements in Windhoek was launched as a pilot project in the capital in July 2020.

The target of the initiative, which aims to provide housing to the poor by keeping the cost of labour and material at a

minimum, is to build 1,200 houses over a two-phase period.

It will also be rolled out in other local authorities and regions.

Several large-scale housing projects have taken off during the past two years. The Ongos Valley housing project, launched in September 2018, is to build 4,500 houses north of Windhoek in the first five-year phase at an estimated cost of N$5 billion. A total of 28,000 houses will be built over the next two decades at this mixed-use development at a total cost of N$25 billion. It includes apartments, free-standing homes and single residential units as well as schools, malls and businesses. Ongos Valley is situated 14 km northwest of Windhoek’s central business district and has been described as a city within a city.

Osona Village, a mixed-use housing project near Okahandja, 65 km north of Windhoek, will consist of 10,000 houses for lower and middle-income earners, institutional buildings and a light industrial area. It will be built at an estimated cost of N$230 million. Large-scale housing projects have also been launched by several local authorities in other parts of the country.

Initiatives to accelerate the provision of public housing include transferring landhold title deeds to residents in informal settlements to provide security of land tenure.

Under the Flexible Land Tenure System (FLTS), title deeds are registered free of charge instead of by a conveyancer at a considerable fee, as is the case with freehold registrations.

With regard to the provision of land the HPPII has set a target for local authorities, the Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF), the Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia, the Development Workshop and property developers to service 24,000 erven countrywide by the end of the HPPII period. The identified local authorities are Windhoek, Walvis Bay, Otjiwarongo, Gobabis, Eenhana, Ongwediva, Ondangwa, Oshakati, Grootfontein and Rundu.

The HPPII has set a target of proclaiming 84 townships with economic viability by the end of the HPPII period in 2025. It also makes provision for the establishment of an Urban Development Fund through bilateral cooperation with development partners to supplement funding for the delivery of serviced land and housing by 2022.

MINISTRY OF URBAN & RURAL DEVELOPMENT Minister: Hon. Erastus Amutenya Uutoni pkayoko@murd.gov.na www.murd.gov.na The Ministry is responsible for regional governance (Regional Councils) and local governance (Local Authorities) and therewith plays an important role in the decentralisation process of the Namibian government. The Directorate for Decentralisation Coordination of the Ministry is entrusted with the effective coordination and management of the process.

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MANUFACTURING The manufacturing sector plays an important role in Namibia’s long-term development goal to be a prosperous and industrialised country. It is one of the largest employers in the productive sector, after agriculture, and accounts for about 9.5% of Namibia’s gross domestic product (GDP).

D

iamond cutting and polishing, the food sub-sector which produces processed meat and grain mill products, fish processing, other food products and beverages are key manufacturing sub-sectors. The beneficiation of basic non-ferrous metals centres mainly on the smelting of copper and zinc, but also includes tin, gold and silver. Salt, marble, cement and stone quarrying are important non-metallic basic mineral products of the manufacturing industry.

The industry has become more diverse in the past few years in sub-sectors such as textiles and clothing, packaging and plastics, cosmetics, cleaning materials and pharmaceutical products. Although the domestic market is small, Namibia is strategically located and offers easy access to markets in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) with a population of over 330 million people. The linkage creates opportunities for exporting locally manufactured products within the region and beyond. The country’s strategic location on the coast of southwestern Africa is complemented by a well-developed transport infrastructure and four transport corridors linking it to its landlocked neighbours in particular.

The Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade is responsible for the development and management of Namibia’s economic regulatory regime, and the manufacturing sector is guided by the Industrial Policy, while the "Growth at Home" Strategy is the implementation strategy for industrialisation focusing on value chain processes relating to the country’s rich natural resources.

Growth at home focuses on three strategic intervention areas: • Supporting value addition, upgrading and diversification for sustained growth • Securing market access at home and abroad • Improving the investment climate and conditions Namibia is endowed with an abundance of raw materials, and the promotion of local value addition in labour intensive projects is one of the most important aspects of "Growth at Home" as a measure to support the creation of muchneeded jobs. The strategy is being implemented in four phases.

The following sectors were targeted for Phase I (2015 – 2020): • Agro-processing • Fish processing • Mineral beneficiation (jewellery industry) • Steel manufacturing and metal fabrication • The automotive industry

In Phase II (2021 – 2025) and Phase III (2026 – 2030) an analysis of the targeted sectors will be conducted, as well as an analysis of projects based on the value chain. Phase IV (2031 and beyond) is aimed at targeted sectors based on an analysis of Phase III. The National Automotive Assembly Development Policy Framework (NAADPF), launched in March 2021, aims to develop a fully-fledged automotive assembly industry that can produce vehicles in Namibia. The framework promotes the exportation of locally assembled motor vehicles and encourages domestic and foreign direct investment in the automotive assembling and components manufacturing sector.

The Retail Charter, a project of the Namibia Trade Forum (an agency of the Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade), aims to create a retail environment that will stimulate manufacturing, ensure market access locally and remove structural barriers.

Its objectives include: • To transform the retail sector from relying predominantly on foreign imports to giving preference to local manufacturers – by encouraging retailers to source locally produced products • Support local businesses in securing retail space at home, so as to increase the visibility of their products through the promotion, marketing and distribution of such products • To support and assist new and existing MSMEs to increase their participation in the Namibian retail sector – by implementing enterprise development programmes.

SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONES The Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade, as well as the Namibia Investment Promotion & Development Board (NIPDB), are in the process of finalising a new set of investment incentives that will be rolled out through the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) policy framework. The SEZ policy framework replaces the Economic Processing Zone which has been phased out to avoid blacklisting by the European Union (EU) and because the EPZ regime did not achieve the anticipated growth.

The interests of manufacturers are represented by the Namibian Manufacturers Association (NMA) which has over 110 members.

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TRANSPORT & LOGISTICS Situated on the southwestern coast of Africa, Namibia has positioned itself as a logistics hub for landlocked SADC (Southern African Development Community) countries. Namibia’s well-developed transport infrastructure comprises a road network of 49 000 km, a 2 678 km rail network, two ports and two international as well as several domestic airports, and it is linked to neighbouring countries by four transport corridors.

W

alvis Bay, the country’s major port, is strategically positioned to export and import goods to and from landlocked SADC countries along the four Walvis Bay Corridors – a network of road transport and railway infrastructures operated by the Walvis Bay Corridor Group (WBCG). The Trans-Kalahari Corridor extends from Walvis Bay on the Atlantic coast to Windhoek and through land-locked Botswana to South Africa, where it links up with the South African road network. The Trans-Cunene Corridor connects Walvis Bay to southern Angola, while the Walvis Bay-Ndola-Lubumbashi Development Corridor links the port with land-locked Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Trans-Oranje Corridor links the ports of Walvis Bay and Lüderitz to Windhoek and South Africa’s Northern Cape Province.

Freight offloaded at Walvis Bay and transported along the Trans-Kalahari Corridor to Gauteng instead of from Durban or Cape Town saves seven to 11 days of transit time. Dry port facilities developed by Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe provide unrestricted access to the sea for these landlocked countries’ imports and exports.

Namibia’s road infrastructure has been ranked as the best in Africa by the World Economic Forum (WEF) Global Competitiveness Report Index for several consecutive years.

The national road network is managed by the Roads Authority, a state-owned enterprise, to achieve a safe and efficient road sector. About 8,300 km of the country’s 49,000 km network is tarred, while over 25,000 is standard gravel. The remainder is earth gravel and sand tracks.

The authority plans to spend nearly N$19 billion during the 2018/19 to 2022/23 period on the upgrading of 800 km to bitumen standard, the construction of 250 km of roads to gravel standard, on rehabilitating 279 km of road and resealing 1,800 km of roads. The dual carriage MR44 between the central coastal towns of Walvis Bay and Swakopmund, the upgrading of the road between Swakopmund and Henties Bay to bitumen standard and its expansion, the dual carriageway between Windhoek and Okahandja and the dual carriageway between Windhoek’s Western Bypass and Hosea Kutako International Airport, 45 km east of the capital, are among the many road construction projects of the Roads Authority.

TransNamib Holding Limited, the national railway carrier, is a commercial state-owned enterprise. The country’s rail network is linked to Oshikango on the southern Angolan border and to South Africa at Ariamsvlei on Namibia’s eastern border with South Africa. The port of Lüderitz is linked by railway to Windhoek and Ariamsvlei. Sections of the railway network are being upgraded to comply with SADC standards to improve the flow and the volume of traffic.

The completion of the container terminal at Walvis Bay at a cost of N$4 billion in August 2019 has more than doubled the port’s handling capacity from 350,000 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs) to 750,000 TEUs. Development of the Walvis Bay North Port, 6 km north of South Port, is continuing in phases. Facilities include dry bulk, multi-purpose, liquid bulk and passenger boat terminals, as well as 30 berths.

Namport has established an excellent reputation for the efficiency and reliability of its operations, as well as the rapid turnaround time of vessels. The waiting time for vessels at sea has been reduced to less than eight hours while container transit time has been reduced from 15.5 days to 9.5 days.

The port of Lüderitz, 450 km south of Walvis Bay, serves the southern parts of the country, as well as the local fishing industry and the marine diamond industry. The rail network provides a convenient link with South Africa’s Northern Cape Province. The port is, however, constrained by its shallow depth, bedrock which makes dredging financially and environmentally not feasible and the limited land area for expansion. Namport plans to develop a deep water port at Lüderitz by way of a public private partnership.

The Namibia Airports Company (NAC), a state-owned commercial enterprise, is responsible for the development, management and operation of the country’s two international airports, Hosea Kutako International Airport and Walvis Bay International Airport, as well as six domestic airports, including Eros Airport in Windhoek which services domestic routes.

Expansions to Hosea Kutako International Airport will easily double the airport’s passenger handling capacity from one million to a projected two million a year until 2030. The NAC plans to spend over N$1.3 billion to upgrade and improve all eight airports to international standards over the next five years.

Regional and international flights to and from Namibia were disrupted by COVID-19, but Windhoek continues to be linked to Johannesburg and Cape Town in neighbouring South Africa.

International airlines that suspended flights to Namibia as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic have started to resume flights, travel health regulations and passenger loads allowing.

FlyWestair, Namibia’s first and currently only privately-owned airline, operates some domestic flights and a direct flight between Windhoek and Cape Town.

The country’s excellent transport infrastructure is served by an efficient logistics sector with international links, ensuring the efficient operation of the supply chains of local, regional and international customers. Services include, amongst others, warehousing, clearing and freight forwarding, cargo handling, stevedoring, cross-border and intermodal freight.

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Democratic Republic of the Congo

Tanzania

Angola Malawi Zambia

2

1

Zimbabwe

Namibia Botswana

3

Mozambique

THE WALVIS BAY CORRIDORS: Swaziland

4 Lesotho South Africa

1

Trans Cunene Corridor

2

Walvis Bay-Ndola-Lubumbashi Development Corridor

3

Trans Kalahari Corridor

4

Trans Oranje Corridor

The Namibian Logistics Hub initiative Transforming Namibia into an International Logistics Hub for the Southern Africa region.

WBCG Head Office Find us on:

T.

+264 61 251 669

Facilitating the free flow of trade to and from the SADC region.

E.

marketing@wbcg.com.na

or visit our website: www.wbcg.com.na

Inspiring prosperity and advancing the wellbeing of the nation

Kudu Investment Specialising in the acquisition and development of commercial and residential properties

Etuna Nashima

Namibia Protection Services Organises and controls security activities in the 14 branches spread throughout the country

| Acting Chief Executive Officer | Tel: +264 61 225 333

Tuulikki Nelulu | Marketing Manager | Tel: +264 61 225 203

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Farm de Rust Contributes to food security intending to sustain the livelihoods of the Namibian people

| Email: etuna@kalahariholdings.com

| Email: tuulikki@kalahariholdings.com

CONNECTION IS KEY Namibia is an expansive country where it is not uncommon to drive an hour or more between towns or settlements.

With a sparse population so widely spread out and in some cases living in extremely remote areas, Namibia’s excellent road network creates the link that connects the people. It is the reason why nomadic Himbas in the far northwest can take their traditional crafts to the capital, Windhoek, to be sold in curio shops. It keeps Ovambo families working in the deep south, in towns like Lüderitz or Keetmanshoop, connected to their relatives in their home villages in the far north. Namibian roads are the reason why a farmer in the Kalahari can sell his delicious mutton cuts in the coastal town of Swakopmund on the other side of the country or why veggies grown at Mariental find their way onto plates in Otjiwarongo. Furthermore, the endless roads are the best way for tourists to explore the gorgeous scenery and they provide access to a multitude of breathtaking destinations.

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Celebrating Namibia goes a lot further than purely national pride, however. The country has remained the champion in having the best-quality roads on the African continent for the last five consecutive years according to the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitive Report Index on road infrastructure. Globally Namibia is ranked at number 23, ahead of quite a few of the globe’s economic powerhouses such as China, India and Italy – a remarkable feat, considering that Namibia’s total road network has a combined length of almost 50 000 kilometres. It is also a well-deserved nod to the tireless efforts of the Namibian Roads Authority which is mandated to construct and maintain the roads and plays a pivotal role in keeping them safe.

The road infrastructure not only contributes to the economic development of Namibia but also that of the country’s landlocked neighbours and the SADC subregion as a whole.

CELEBRATE NAMIBIA

A network of various transport corridors creates a valuable link to the expanding Port of Walvis Bay and offers a wellmaintained and developed infrastructure that allows those countries to import and export their goods.

As mentioned, the roads are also the key to exploring the breathtaking and ever-changing vistas of the Namibian countryside. Gravel roads adjacent to the massive sand dunes of the Namib Desert take you to world-renowned Deadvlei. The wilderness and waterways of the Zambezi Region in the northeast are made exceedingly accessible thanks to excellent bitumen roads that deliver you almost to the doorstep of the various national parks and accommodation establishments of the area.

Through the exceptional road network and the many road construction projects still in progress, the Roads Authority has fully embraced its vision of a sustainable road sector that is ahead of national and regional socio-economic needs in pursuit of Namibia's Vision 2030.

With an infrastructure in place that connects a spectrum which ranges from families to economies, everyone can drive off into the proverbial sunset.

MINISTRY OF WORKS & TRANSPORT Minister: Hon. John Mutorwa Maureen.Meyer@mwt.gov.na www.mwtc.gov.na The Ministry of Works and Transport is responsible for sectoral policy and regulation, and has a mandate to ensure infrastructure development and maintenance on transport and state asset management through operational excellence and prudent management of resources.

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GOOD TODAY. BETTER TOMORROW.

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