DIVUNDU – The CEO and founder of Namibia Berries, Michael Rodenburg, has raised critical concerns regarding challenges of land acquisition for investors in Namibia, particularly in the agricultural sector.
He voiced this concern during a recent media tour of the berries farm that was organised by the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB).
Rodenburg emphasised that while the region has immense potential for investment due to its favourable weather and water resources, bureaucratic hurdles involved in securing land are a significant deterrent. He pointed out that streamlined access to land is essential for attracting foreign investors.
“Land should be readily available for investors, rather than them coming for bureaucracy, which sometimes makes them want to leave the country,” he said. This frustration, he added, reflects a broader sentiment among investors who are eager for efficiency and clarity in land acquisition processes.
He credited NIPDB with facilitating his company’s establishment, noting that without their support, Namibia Berries might have considered relocating due to various challenges.
Despite these promising developments, Rodenburg’s comments highlight a pressing need for reform in land acquisition protocols. He suggested that having land parcels available with pre-completed documentation would facilitate transparency and efficiency when foreign investors seek to establish operations in Namibia.
“Investors are not here for long stories; they want things to move fast,” he said, underscoring the urgency for a more investor-friendly environment.
As Namibia seeks to enhance its agricultural sector and attract more international investments, addressing the land acquisition challenges will be vital. Rodenburg’s call for improved processes could be a key step toward fostering a more conducive environment for investment and sustainable growth in the domestic agricultural landscape.
The Namibia Berries project, located in Divundu in Kavango East, represents a substantial investment of N$1.5 billion over seven years. Initially focusing on 250 hectares, the project plans to expand to over 500 hectares, creating around 800 permanent jobs, and up to 7 000 seasonal jobs during harvest periods. This initiative not only aims to boost local employment, but also positions Namibia as a competitive player in the global blueberry market.
The success of Namibia Berries is not just about economic growth; it also emphasises community involvement. Rodenburg noted this is crucial for local residents to feel ownership of such projects, rather than perceiving the operating companies as external exploitation.
Meanwhile, Namibia Berries has already created between 350 to 400 local jobs, and aims to generate substantial foreign exchange through exports.