Otjimbele Grape Project invests USD 6.8M to boost Namibia’s agronomy sector

NAMIBIA – The Otjimbele Grape Project in Namibia’s Omusati region has launched a NAD 120 million (USD 6.8 million) investment to diversify agricultural production and reduce the country’s reliance on imported produce.

This initiative is set to transform the former Asparagus Agro-Processing Project site, now aimed at addressing gaps in the Namibian market by cultivating staple crops, expanding export opportunities, and creating new jobs.

Carlos Lertxundi Aretxaga, the project’s founder and CEO, outlined the ambitious goals during a recent media briefing.

“Namibia is a net importer of some of these products,” Aretxaga explained. “What we want to do is produce what Namibia is lacking and export them to neighboring countries.”

The Otjimbele Project is gearing up to grow watermelon, maize, wheat, spanspek, sweet potato, and butternut – crops typically imported due to limited local production.

Aretxaga believes this new approach will reduce Namibia’s dependency on imports, help stabilize prices and support local suppliers. The first harvests of asparagus have already reached South African supermarkets, including Woolworths, Pick n Pay, Checkers, Spar, and Food Lovers Market.

Now, the project is exploring additional partnerships with Namibian retailers, aiming to bring more of these locally grown products to markets across the country.

Aretxaga noted that the project’s potential goes beyond immediate economic returns. “We want to stimulate the regional economy and create job opportunities,” he said, highlighting the effort to connect with local vendors and supermarkets.

By creating new employment and training opportunities, Otjimbele aims to leave a lasting impact on Omusati and surrounding regions.

In addition to food crops, the Otjimbele Project is preparing to produce high-quality fodder, particularly beneficial to livestock farmers during dry winter months when feed is in short supply.

Local farmers often resort to importing lower-quality feed, a challenge that Aretxaga hopes to alleviate. “We all know the water challenges in the region,” he said, emphasizing the need for local, high-quality feed sources. “From time to time, we will assist farmers with water and also donate maize to the people.”

Beyond its agricultural efforts, the Otjimbele Project has shown a commitment to social responsibility by donating two tonnes of maize meal to the Uuhongo school, directly supporting the community.

The project has faced its share of difficulties, notably recent theft incidents that impacted equipment and delayed irrigation work at the Atunda Irrigation Project.

Aretxaga acknowledged these setbacks, saying, “Theft is very bad for business. Imagine if the machines you use to irrigate are stolen. You won’t be able to irrigate your crops, and these machines cost a lot.”

Despite these challenges, Aretxaga expressed optimism, crediting Namibia’s business-friendly policies, judicial system, and local support for allowing the project to thrive.

Since its inception in 2007, the Otjimbele Grape Project has made strides toward becoming a significant player in the nation’s agricultural landscape.

With imports of agronomic produce exceeding NAD 519.9 million (USD 29.4 million) in late 2023, primarily maize, wheat, and horticultural goods, Namibia’s agricultural sector has room for growth.

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