For many people growing up in northern Namibia, the Kalahari melon was just another plant in the fields, growing freely in the sandy soil and often ignored.
Today, the plant has become the heart of Job Nghipandulwa’s business, Nalago Skincare.
“Growing up in northern Namibia, I learned early that the land gives what it can. Maize and mahangu were the crops everyone focused on. But the Kalahari melon was always there, growing quietly, even when the rains were poor,” he said. He said the melons were harvested only after the main crops, and families kept a few for the household and left the rest for livestock.
Despite growing in abundance, the melon was often seen as having little value. Years later, while studying geology, Nghipandulwa began to see things differently. His training focused on analysing soil and land formations, often in search of minerals.
But it also sparked a deeper curiosity about the natural resources above the ground.
During his research, he discovered that the seeds of the Kalahari melon, locally known as Oontanga, contain valuable nutrients. The seeds are rich in antioxidants, Vitamin E and essential fatty acids, making them highly beneficial for skincare products.
“I realised the same soil we study for minerals was holding something just as valuable,” he said.
Business venture
In 2023, Nghipandulwa decided to implement his idea. Using money he had saved from his salary, he began working towards turning Kalahari melon seeds into skincare oil. Around the same time, he secured a N$40 000 grant from the Namibia Nature Foundation, which helped him get started.
With the funding, he bought land near Olukula village, cleared it and purchased a cold-pressing machine to extract oil from the seeds. But the early days were far from easy.
“I remember sitting in my family home with this expensive machine and bags of seeds around me. I had spent every cent I had,” he said. When he attempted to press the seeds for the first time, the machine broke down before producing any oil. The supplier later explained that the equipment had not been designed for the tough indigenous seeds.
“It felt like I had reached a dead end,” he said. Instead of giving up, he began experimenting. He travelled back to Windhoek to source new parts and spent weeks testing different methods. He ground the seeds by hand, removed husks and adjusted the equipment repeatedly.
Eventually, the breakthrough came. “The residue turned into a paste and then, finally, a golden drop of oil came out.
That was the moment Nalago Skincare was born,” he said.
The company made its first sale in April 2024. Today, Nalago Skincare produces natural cosmetic products made from cold-pressed Kalahari melon seed oil. The cold-pressing process avoids heat and chemicals, helping to preserve the nutrients found in the seeds.
The business may still be small, but it is steadily growing. The team includes a production manager responsible for blending and bottling the products and a sales coordinator who manages distribution nationwide. He oversees the company’s overall strategy and direction.
Community centred
One of the key aspects of the business is its connection with rural communities.
The company sources melon seeds directly from households in northern Namibia, creating a new market for a crop that was previously overlooked.
By buying the seeds, the company provides families with an opportunity to earn extra income from surplus melons.
Today, Nalago Skincare is reaching more customers seeking natural skincare products. According to Nghipandulwa, many users describe the oil as “liquid gold” for its ability to improve skin without leaving a greasy feeling. Despite the progress, challenges remain. Like many small businesses, Nalago is still in a growth phase.
“At the moment, I cannot afford to pay myself a salary. Every cent goes back into the business, paying staff, buying raw materials and covering other costs,” he said.
Unexpected orders can also put pressure on the young company, sometimes forcing it to use personal funds to keep production running.
“For me, the company is not just about producing oil. It is about showing that the plants that survive in Namibia’s harsh conditions can also build strong businesses,” he said.