Martin Endjala
The Namibia Industrial Development Agency (Nida) operates under a clear statutory mandate aimed at fostering industrial and economic development.
Nida’s spokesperson, Wessel !Nanuseb made this statement in an interview with the Windhoek Observer on Tuesday.
He was responding to recent calls for the dismantling of the agency, labelling such demands as baseless and lacking evidence.
“The agency is currently building fundamental foundations to sustain itself towards achieving its mandate. We are aware of calls for dismantling the agency by some quarter of the council members without providing sound reasons as well as alternatives that would be brought in to continue doing what Nida is mandated for,” he said.
!Nanuseb said the organisation plans to engage all stakeholders, including members of parliament, to present their perspectives and provide a clearer understanding of the agency’s role and achievements.
Nida’s acting chief executive officer, Richwell Lukonga outlined some of the initiatives that underscore the agency’s commitment to industrial and rural development.
“NIDA focusses on public investment promotion and trade facilitation through investment promotion and trade facilitation, promoting viable strategic investment projects in development initiatives and export processing zones as part of the government’s industrial and integrated rural development strategies,” he said.
He said taking such measures is necessary to enable the entity to exercise effective control over its interest in enterprises in which it has invested.
One of its investments involves the expansion of irrigation initiatives at Naute, focussing on dates, table grapes, pomegranates, prickly pears, and more, which is located next to the Naute Dam, about 45 km outside Keetmanshoop in the Karas region.
The activities include a packaging facility for table grapes and dates, storage and workshop areas, an administrative building, and staff housing.
Another project is the expansion of date production and viable agribusiness at the Eersbegin facility in the Kunene region, offering opportunities for diversification into cash crops, tourism, and hospitality.
Lukonga added that Nida is seeking investors for feedlot development, fodder and feed cultivation at their facilities at the Kavango Cattle Ranch in Kavango West.
“This investment also includes possible biomass production, further enhancing its economic impact. In the Kavango East Region, Nida is advancing an agribusiness project in Divundu, along with special agri-scheme projects such as Musese and Shitemo green schemes,” he said.
These projects, he said, are expected to create numerous employment opportunities.
Lukonga added that Nida is seeking further investment in the establishment of a cold storage facility in Walvis Bay, Erongo Region.
This investment, he said, is expected to provide significant employment opportunities and accommodate multiple tenants operating independently.
“The completion of the Manyeha Crocodile Farm in Kongola, Zambezi Region, is aimed at breeding crocodiles, harvesting and processing crocodile leather, and serving as a tourist attraction,” he said.
He said this project combines agribusiness, tourism, hospitality, and commercial opportunities.
Nida has also acquired industrial and agricultural land for development into viable business ventures across various regions.
The purpose of these parcels is to facilitate value addition, manufacturing, and processing activities.
Lukonga emphasised that Nida’s primary goals include generating employment, reducing poverty, enhancing livelihoods, and promoting the manufacturing of value-added products. To achieve these objectives, the agency has allocated industrial land for private sector development in several towns, including Tsumeb, Otavi, Walvis Bay, and Oshakati.
Nida’s development plans also include the creation of Special Economic Zones (SEZ) industrial parks and logistical centres, which will feature the necessary infrastructure and support services to establish viable production units.
“This effort is crucial for establishing viable production units for goods and services, primarily led by the private sector, and is vital for achieving our industrialisation goals,” said Lukonga.
