Niël Terblanché
The Green Charcoal Namibia (GCN) factory, an N$60 million investment officially inaugurated in Arandis on Monday, is a forerunner of over 850 indirect jobs and the promise of a sustainable future.
These jobs will span various fields including production, transport, machinery manufacturing, engineering, and export, bolstering the nation’s employment rate significantly.
The factory currently employs over 50 individuals, with plans to create an additional 30 permanent jobs by 2025.
Christine //Hoebes, Minister in the Presidency, declared the project “a giant step” towards ecological conservation, clean energy, and community well-being.
“The production of green charcoal is not just an industrial process; it is a testament to our commitment to responsible resource management and a sustainable future,” she said during the inaugural ceremony while emphasizing the factory’s alignment with Namibia’s vision for innovation and environmental stewardship.
Arandis, known for its resilience and progress, is deemed the ideal location for this groundbreaking initiative, promising cleaner and more environmentally friendly charcoal production methods aimed at reducing carbon emissions and preserving forests.
The project offers multifarious benefits, contributing to the battle against climate change and facilitating economic growth in Arandis and surrounding communities.
Neville Andre, the Governor of the Erongo Region, praised Arandis for emerging “as a beacon of hope for Namibia” and championing eco-friendly charcoal production.
He commended the local leadership and investors for their foresight and expressed gratitude to the Namibian Government for creating a favourable investment environment.
The town of Arandis, experiencing setbacks in the late 1990s and early 2000s due to declining Uranium prices, embraced economic diversification through sustainability development projects in partnership with the Rossing Foundation.
“The success of such interventions is evident because of this inauguration. It showcases the town’s resilience and adaptability,” Andre said.
According to Andre, the inauguration of Green Charcoal Namibia stands as a pioneering venture in sustainable energy solutions. It not only showcases Namibia’s innovative spirit and commitment to the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals but also serves as a symbol of dedication to a cleaner and more sustainable future.
The inauguration of Green Charcoal Namibia serves as a reminder of Namibia’s boundless potential in environmental stewardship and a testament to the power of innovation, cooperation, and determination.
The Green Charcoal Production project, while serving as a catalyst for job creation and economic growth, symbolizes Namibia’s relentless pursuit of a brighter, cleaner, and more sustainable future.
