SWAKOPMUND – The Namibia Industrial Development Agency (Nida) needs at least N$550 million to implement its integrated strategic business plan. It also needs N$29.7 million to clear outstanding utility arrears that are affecting its operations.
This is contained in the final report of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Natural Resources following a capacity-building workshop held last year in Swakopmund.
Chairperson of the committee, Tobie Aupindi, who presented the report, said the committee is guided by its powers and that it must exercise parliamentary oversight on behalf of the constitution in respect of government entities.
“Various stakeholders were invited, particularly the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy and its agencies, the agriculture ministry and agencies, as well as the environment ministry and agencies,” he stated.
He added that these engagements provided a vital platform for open dialogue on the mandates, opportunities and challenges facing natural resource and sectoral performance, which remain central to Namibia’s economic growth and sustainable development.
The workshop reaffirmed the importance of aligning sectoral strategies with our national priorities.
While each institution presented unique achievements and challenges, a common message emerged: the need for stronger collaboration, the availability of adequate resources and policy support to ensure that Namibia fully harnesses its natural resources for the benefit of all its citizens.
The committee said the funding is required to rehabilitate and renovate properties listed in Nida’s asset register amid rising utility costs.
The report also states that electricity has been disconnected or blocked at 69 industrial parks, while 89 properties have outstanding water debt.
“These challenges continue to disrupt Nida’s operations and the effective management of its assets,” the committee said.
The workshop brought together Members of Parliament and relevant stakeholders to improve understanding of the mandates, functions and challenges faced by institutions falling under the committee’s oversight. According to the report, the engagement was also aimed at strengthening cooperation between Parliament and stakeholders while improving MPs’ understanding of applicable laws, policies and institutional frameworks.
Over the years, Nida has been facing serious financial and operational challenges, including an operating loss of N$102 million in 2024.
The agency cited poor rental collection, weak asset management, governance disputes and the poor maintenance of its 148 industrial estates nationwide.
“Nida continues to struggle with operational inefficiencies and high debt levels,” the report noted.
The agency is mandated to drive Namibia’s industrialisation and economic development agenda through public investment promotion and investment facilitation. Nida manages 148 properties across the country, including major projects in the Kavango regions, such as a cattle ranch generating about N$15 million in sales and the Naute Irrigation farm valued at N$233 million.
However, the committee said additional funding is required to sustain these projects.