MALTAHÖHE – Namibia is poised to become the first African nation to harness renewable energy from the cactus plant, thanks to a pioneering Nopal Carbon Farming project launched in Maltahöhe last week.
This project marks a step forward in converting arid lands into productive bioenergy sites.
The project, located on farm Namseb in partnership with Guido von Wietersheim, offers a sustainable economic alternative for farmers in drought-stricken areas while revitalising unproductive land.
The initial phase covers 500 hectares with an investment of approximately N$66 million. The total planned investment is expected to exceed N$1.8 billion by 2028 as bioenergy production expands.
Beyond its environmental advantages, the Nopal project aims to empower local communities by creating about 75 employment opportunities. It will convert underutilised desert land into productive farmland, providing livestock fodder and enhancing food security.
The primary goal is to produce bioenergy for the Namibian market, including renewable electricity, renewable-LNG, renewable methane, and renewable carbon dioxide. The project will also generate carbon removal certificates for global sale as virtual exports from Namibia. Nopal Carbon Farming intends to cultivate 5 000 hectares of cactus by 2027, with a target of 17 500 hectares by 2028.
“We planted our first plants in July 2024, in the middle of winter when everyone said we were crazy, these plants will not survive, but we did not lose any plants to frost. We are happy to see the growth. Our objective is to have more than 17 000 hectares planted in different places across the country by 2028. Plantations really need a little of water,” said Nicole Maske, a partner at Nopal during the launch.
The company is looking at how it can supply energy to the country.
“Our next big step is to work with NamPower to see where we might have these baseload power in the grid, work with communities who might not have access to power and mining companies who might need energy for their processing,” said Maske.
The Canadian managing partner of the project, Stephen McNeil, emphasised its broad scope.
“Nopal Carbon Farming extends beyond agriculture, so it is a big project, and the company is ready to partner other entrepreneurs in the area to tap on the other opportunities cactus can offer,” McNeil stated.
He also clarified the project’s role in addressing Namibia’s energy needs: “The project is not replacing anything but is helping the country fight its energy deficit.”
Vice-President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah highlighted the project’s significance in combating environmental and economic challenges.
“Namibia is no stranger to the harsh realities of land degradation, drought, and food insecurity. These challenges have long hindered the agricultural sector and economic opportunities in our arid regions. However, through innovative solutions like the Nopal Project, we are rewriting this narrative. “By cultivating a drought-resistant nopal cactus, we are transforming barren land into productive farmland, securing food and fodder supply, and creating new economic possibilities for our people,” she said.
Nandi-Ndaitwah also noted the project’s broader economic benefits, saying investments such as this play a crucial role in addressing this challenge by creating employment opportunities, fostering skills development, and driving inclusive economic growth.
Her speech was read on her behalf by the deputy executive director in the Office of the Vice President, Matheus Kaholongo.
This project is one of many that have been facilitated by the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board.