Allexer Namundjembo
The African Aquaculture Company (AAC) has welcomed Omankete Investment as the first Namibian private investor in its offshore salmon farming project, in a deal valued at N$40 million.
AAC last Wednesday said the investment signals the Namibian private sector’s readiness to contribute to the indigenisation and development of the emerging salmon industry, while also reflecting market confidence in the project.
The company said it welcomes the investment as part of its drive to harness value for the aquaculture sector and deepen local ownership, aligning with sustainable job opportunities and revenue growth.
“We are happy Namibians and Namibian institutions are taking ownership and truly Namibianising salmon farming in cooperation with Norwegian investors. We are equally pleased to note this highlights indigenous capacity for serious capital investment projects,” said Clement Kaukuetu, AAC’s country director.
Omankete Investments (Pty) Ltd, a Namibian investment company with a 25-year track record in the fishing industry, said it is excited to enter the strategic partnership.
Managing director Oscar Shigwana said salmon farming has massive economic potential and that investment in the sector will fast-track its growth and advance national economic growth while building indigenous fiscal capacity.
In a related development, AAC also announced the signing of a strategic partnership with the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) to promote international cooperation and foster institutional development.
The memorandum of understanding will focus on curriculum development, staff and student exchange programmes, research and innovation, and faculty and student development opportunities.
Kaukuetu said the MoU is expected to play a critical role in skills development, capacity development and labour market preparation for the salmon sector.
“With this approach, we will be able to ensure that salmon farming harnesses, trains, develops and employs indigenous labour,” he said, adding that Namibia gains first-hand experience as continental pioneers of industrial salmon farming.
The African Aquaculture Company is a new company establishing an Atlantic salmon farming industry in Namibia and South Africa.
