US$16.2M loan boosts Namibian blueberry expansion

NAMIBIA – Namibia’s young blueberry industry is gaining fresh momentum after Invest International, a Dutch development finance institution, approved a €15 million (US$16.2 million) loan to Namibia Berries.

The funding will help the company expand its blueberry farm along the Kavango River in the country’s north-east.

Namibia Berries exported its first harvest last year to buyers in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Germany, and the Netherlands. The company plans to grow its exports through the Port of Rotterdam, while about 32% of its supplies will come from Dutch partners.

The loan agreement was arranged with the help of Loxworth Capital, a Netherlands-based investment firm and one of Namibia Berries’ main shareholders.

Gemüsering Stuttgart GmbH, a long-time strategic partner, is also part of the expansion project. According to Michael Rodenburg, CEO of Namibia Berries and founder of Loxworth Capital, the partnership will help build both the farm and the local economy.

“This partnership with Invest International enables us to build a resilient, world-class blueberry operation that benefits local communities through job creation and skills development, while helping to build a stronger agricultural sector in Namibia,” he said.

Namibia’s blueberry production remains small but is expanding quickly. The country currently has around 260 hectares under cultivation, mainly along the Kavango River and in Mashare. The Mashare Blueberry Project covers about 60 hectares, with an additional 30 hectares planned for the coming seasons.

Strength in exports and global partnerships

Namibia’s location gives it a key advantage in reaching early-season export windows. Its berries reach European and Middle Eastern markets before South African or South American crops, creating room for competitive pricing and strong returns.

The International Blueberry Organization (IBO) lists Namibia as one of Africa’s emerging producers alongside Zimbabwe and Zambia. The country benefits from South Africa’s infrastructure and technical experience, which has helped improve output quality.

A large share of exports will pass through the Port of Rotterdam, giving Namibia access to one of Europe’s biggest trade routes. Dutch suppliers continue to play a significant role in equipment, logistics, and packaging.

The expansion will also bring economic benefits to the Kavango region, where agriculture provides one of the few formal employment options. Namibia Berries expects to create hundreds of seasonal jobs as the new fields mature.

Industry observers say Namibia’s rise in the blueberry market mirrors the growth of other African horticultural hubs. In neighboring Morocco, companies such as Dakhla’s large tomato farms have already proven that the region can support major export operations.

As the farm grows, Namibia Berries aims to cement the country’s place on the global blueberry map. Rodenburg believes the new investment will help secure that goal. “Our focus is not only on exports but also on building a value chain that gives lasting benefits to the communities around us,” he said.

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