Richwell Lukonga

Over the years, Namibian agencies have sought to harness the country’s natural resources to enhance economic growth. 

Namibia Industrial Development Agency (Nida) was established by Parliament through Act 16 of 2016 to spearhead industrial, agribusiness and business infrastructure development, as well as to facilitate investment attraction. 

Nida has made the industrialisation of Namibia its primary focus. 

Acting as an agent for equity investment on behalf of the government and its institutions, Nida has been mandated to implement business incentives to support industrialisation, and to facilitate, develop, coordinate and foster partnerships across all levels of government, the private sector, and relevant stakeholders to help the Agency achieve its objectives.

By undertaking necessary marketing and promotional activities, campaigns and representations in accordance with Namibian laws, Nida ensures the successful growth and expansion of Namibia’s export processing and economic zones. 

Additionally, Nida researches matters related to industry, industrial development and productivity.

Nida focuses on promoting public investment and facilitating trade by advancing viable strategic investment projects within development initiatives and export processing zones. This effort aligns with the Government’s industrial and integrated rural development strategies.

Equally important to Nida is entering into public-private partnerships on behalf of the government and its institutions. Researching and developing new opportunities for value-addition and sector development remains a critical role.

Nida also promotes operations, and manages a publicity programme that highlights Namibia’s export-driven industrial growth. The Agency takes necessary measures to exercise effective control over its interests in invested enterprises.

Economic development impact is crucial, and with the minister’s consent, Nida develops methods and programmes to secure adequate funding for ongoing, sustainable promotional operations. 

This includes managing a publicity programme that promotes Namibia’s export-driven industrial growth. 

Additionally, Nida is responsible for implementing procurement and outsourcing policies and programmes that support economic empowerment.

One such investment involves the expansion of irrigation initiatives at Naute, focusing on dates, table grapes, pomegranates, prickly pears and more. 

Located next to the Naute Dam, about 45 km outside Keetmanshoop in the Karas region, this investment includes a packaging facility for table grapes and dates, storage and workshop areas, an administrative building and staff housing. 

Another key 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. 

Additionally, Nida is seeking investors for feedlot development, as well as fodder and feed cultivation at our Kavango Cattle Ranch facilities in Kavango West. This investment may also include biomass production, further enhancing its economic impact.

In the Kavango East region, Nida is advancing an agri-business project in Divundu and supporting special agri-scheme projects, such as the Musese and Shitemo green schemes. 

These initiatives are expected to generate numerous employment opportunities.

Nida is further seeking investment for the establishment of a cold storage facility in Walvis Bay, Erongo region. 

This investment is expected to create significant employment opportunities and accommodate multiple independent tenants.

The completion of the Manyeha Crocodile Farm in Kongola, Zambezi region, aims to breed crocodiles, harvest and process crocodile leather, and serve as a tourist attraction. This project combines agri-business, tourism, hospitality and commercial opportunities.

Nida has acquired both industrial and agri-business land for development into viable business ventures. 

These semi-developed and undeveloped parcels are designated for further development to support value-addition, manufacturing and processing activities across various regions. This development will be carried out through strategic partnerships in industries, agribusiness and infrastructure.

With the primary goal of generating employment, reducing poverty, enhancing livelihoods, boosting import substitution and promoting the manufacturing of value-added products, Nida has allocated industrial land for private sector development in towns such as Tsumeb, Otavi, Divundu, Walvis Bay, Karibib, Okahandja, Opuwo, Witvlei, Otjiwarongo, Omaruru, Oshakati, Brakwater and Windhoek. 

These investments are critical due to their potential to create positive multiplier effects throughout the economy, particularly in regions essential for advancing Namibia’s industrialisation and socio-economic transformation.

During the implementation phase, Nida will focus on planning and developing Special Economic Zone industrial parks and logistical centres with the necessary infrastructure and support services. 

This effort is crucial for establishing viable production units for goods and services, primarily led by the private sector. 

It is also vital for achieving our industrialisation goals. 

It is of utmost importance to engage with the communities Nida operates in, and maintain transparency and accountability from the board level to continuously execute our mandate.

Nida’s industrialisation agenda revolves around five key initiatives: youth empowerment and employment-creation; entrepreneurship development, investment facilitation and attraction; export-oriented industrial growth, as well as import substitution. 

These initiatives align with our vision statement, ‘Geared Towards Growing Sustainable Industries’, which guides our efforts in identifying and executing flagship projects across various sectors.

These projects are essential due to their potential to generate widespread positive impacts across the economy, particularly in regions crucial for advancing Namibia’s industrialisation and socio-economic transformation.