Nandi-Ndaitwah wants locals to benefit from resources – News

Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah says Lüderitz, which is positioned to become Namibia’s energy capital due to emerging industries such as green hydrogen, oil and gas, should ensure the resources improve the socio-economic conditions of locals.

The vice president made these remarks during the official opening of the annual Lüderitz crayfish festival.

The festival aims to create a platform for small and medium-sized businesses to showcase the products and services they offer, so that the public and private sectors can interact with their consumers and position their brands.

Held under the theme “Riding the waves towards a sustainable future”, the festival aims to improve socio-economic development in the southern port city, particularly within the local tourism economy.

“Similarly, we have to develop strong cooperation or mutual understanding between the public and private sectors to enable the country to attract and retain investments,” says Nandi-Ndaitwah.

Lüderitz offers a lot in terms of history, tourist attractions and crayfish as well as other unique seafood.

With the construction of the railway, the city also became a commercial port for the landlocked countries of southern Africa.

The city is currently preparing to become an epicenter of the oil, gas and green hydrogen industries and the weekend also saw the groundbreaking ceremony for a salmon farm.

During the construction phase of the /Hau-//Khaeb Green Hydrogen Project, it is estimated that 13,000 temporary jobs and subsequently 5,000 permanent jobs will be created.

The Benguela Blue Aquafarming project is estimated to create 600 full-time employment opportunities, with an additional 1,500 indirect employment opportunities.

The farm located off the coast of Lüderitz will produce, when mature, 35,000 tonnes of premium Atlantic salmon through a hatchery, destined for both the local and international markets.

Nandi-Ndaitwah says the changing economic circumstances in the country require comprehensive and effective strategic planning by authorities at both regional and national levels if they are to serve the people of this country efficiently and effectively.

“The most important thing is that we need a workforce with knowledge and qualifications in business administration and management,” he says.

The vice president reminded investors to respect the country’s labor laws, while highlighting that the transfer of skills from expatriates to Namibians is essential.

“As a government we also believe in good labor relations, an important element for productivity. They must be respected at all times. I am referring to the laws of Namibia; There should be no shortcuts to our labor laws. Our workforce is the greatest asset we have to develop this country and they need a conducive environment,” he says.

The Namibia Investment, Promotion and Development Board facilitated investment in aquaculture that is expected to begin with salmon farming in 2025, with the first harvest expected in 2026.

The Lüderitz Crayfish Festival has grown from nothing to a fully operational fund with trustees and can now be financed through various sponsors.

The event, which started with just 23 exhibitors in 2008, featured 122 exhibitors and attracted up to 7,000 visitors in 2024.