President Netumbo Nandi- Ndaitwah said local businesses must lead the country’s development path as she reaffirmed her government’s commitment to working hand in hand with the private sector. 

Speaking during a courtesy visit from the executive leadership of the Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group at State House on Wednesday, the President praised the group’s innovation and ongoing investment in Namibia’s economy. 

Welcoming the delegation at State House, President Nandi- Ndaitwah expressed gratitude for O&L’s continued investment in Namibia and its vote of confidence in her leadership. 

“Thank you very much for the message of congratulations and the assurance that we will work together in moving our developmental agenda forward,” she said. 

“I am really grateful to see the innovations that O&L is coming up with. As a government, we have to work together with the private sector – and more specifically, I would like to see the local private sector grow and lead our path,” remarked the President. 

Introducing his team, O&L’s executive chairman Sven Thieme presented what he called a “small cabinet” ofO&Lexecutives, including chief financial officer Theresa Weitz, chief experience officer Franziska Grig, chief operating officer Wayland Olstheisen, corporate stakeholder relations head Anna Kangondi and chief human capital officer Terence Damakavi. 

During the meeting, Thieme shared O&L’s strategic developments and growth priorities. 

“We wanted to share our appreciation for the good transition to our Madam President. A perfect job was done. For the industry, it’s important to know that there is trust,” he said in a post-meeting interview. 

“We also presented an overview of the O&L Group, because many people, after NBL, ask what’s left. But there’s a much bigger picture,” he stated. 

Among the key developments highlighted was the launch of a new O&L-owned supermarket brand, Model, which replaces a former franchise agreement. 

Thieme said this shift ensures that more capital remains within Namibia. 

“The benefit for Namibia is that we don’t have to pay high fees for a foreign brand. When we create our own brand, we can invest the money back into our country,” he said. 

He detailed O&L’s plans to produce and export processed meat and dairy products to the South African market, mirroring the group’s past success with Namibian beer exports. 

In terms of innovation, Thieme confirmed that O&L is preparing to commission a pilot plant for green hydrogen, signalling the group’s commitment to sustainable and future-oriented industries. 

O&L currently employs 5 700 people across its operations in Namibia. 

With ongoing expansions, this number is expected to increase to nearly 5 900. 

The group was recently certified as a Great Place to Work with a score of 70%, surpassing the 65% benchmark required for certification. 

“We want to be the best in the world,” said Thieme. “From an employment point of view, we want to be globally competitive,” he stated. 

He added that O&L had invested N$4.5 billion into the Namibian economy over the past decade, including in manufacturing facilities like the Hangana factory, hotel renovations and shopping centre developments. 

While no specific directive was issued by the President during the meeting, Thieme noted that many of O&L’s proposals were already aligned with the government’s priorities. 

“There was nothing in particular from the President as a directive, but many of our suggestions were already on her agenda, which gives us even more confidence,” he said. 

President Nandi-Ndaitwah stressed that she values regular engagement with the private sector and welcomed the ideas brought forward by the O&L delegation. 

“I have always said, and I mean what I say, that the government must work together with the private sector,” the President stated. 

“I am encouraged by your readiness to play your part,” she added. -ljason@nepc.com.na