Kelp Blue, a groundbreaking sustainable aquaculture enterprise, is on the verge of significantly contributing to the domestic economy with a bold investment plan, which could reach N$3 billion over the next three to four years. 

This investment follows an initial capital injection of N$350 million, and ongoing annual operational costs ranging from N$80 million to N$100 million. 

“We expect those numbers to multiply tenfold as Kelp Blue aims to scale its production capacity from the current 3 000 tonnes to an impressive 50 000 tonnes per year,” said Daniel Hooft, the company’s founder and CEO.  

He made these comments on Tuesday to a group of journalists who visited the aquaculture operation. The visit was facilitated by the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB). 

At the heart of Kelp Blue’s operations is the cultivation of Giant Kelp off the coast of Lüderitz, where the company has been granted a licence to develop what could become the world’s first large-scale kelp farm. 

The kelp harvested will be used to produce sustainable agri-foods and bio-stimulants, which are increasingly in demand in the agricultural sector. 

Bio-stimulants are defined as substances or materials that, when applied to plants, seeds or the growing medium, alter physiological processes to improve growth, development and stress tolerance. 

However, Hooft highlighted significant challenges which have hindered progress. 

“What drives the pace is revenue, which is driven by sales of the bio-stimulant. Unfortunately, regulatory hurdles have slowed down the ability to sell these products in Namibia. We’ve foregone around N$15 million in revenue from farmers who would buy our product tomorrow if we had the necessary registration,” he stated.

By September 2023, the company had installed over five hectares (ha) of forest at a rate of one ha per month, with an area of 150ha expected to be covered by the end of 2025. The project has already secured off-take by Nestle, a global food company.

Hooft noted that while they have received applicable registration in 17 countries and recently gained approval to sell their products for crops across Europe, delays in Namibia have been frustrating. “It’s fine being on trial for three years, but I don’t understand why we should not be given temporary registration to supply what is essentially a beneficial product to our agricultural sector,” the CEO lamented. 

Kelp Blue’s story is not just about investment and regulatory challenges; it also features inspiring individuals passionate about sustainability. 

One such individual is Iriya Jona, a young entrepreneur who has played a crucial role in Kelp Blue’s development since its inception. 

Hooft recounted how he discovered Jona during his search for passionate team members back in 2020. 

“I visited Namibia, and went looking for Jona after reading about her innovative sea wheat venture. After some searching, I found her operating a fabric company in Katutura. I walked into the first shop by the gate and mentioned her name; the lady looked at me in astonishment because that was Jona,” he said with a smile.

Today, she serves as a key figure within Kelp Blue’s operations, having been appointed as the deputy operational manager. 

Giving back

In addition to its ambitious investment plans and innovative products, Kelp Blue is dedicated to education through its affiliated school in Lüderitz. 

Lucy Hooft, acting director of the school, shared exciting developments regarding its future. The school is set to offer a Cambridge-level curriculum, and was recently certified for secondary education, starting next year. This development alone has already generated increased interest from the local community. 

“We envision having close to 200 students towards the end of the school year,” she stated enthusiastically. The school aims not only to provide quality education, but also to foster a sense of community in the ocean.

Plans for expansion are already underway, with discussions taking place with the town council regarding acquiring additional land for future development.

Another corporate social responsibility venture is the Kelp Forest Foundation, which sponsors University of Namibia and Namibia University of Science and Technology students to conduct scientific research in marine areas. The foundation avails international supervisors from the top 100 universities worldwide, with the intention of building a strong capability base in Namibia’s blue economy. -mndjavera@nepc.com.na