N$400m Walvis pipe factory on track, Nida says

Nearly a year after a landmark agreement with Austrian pipe manufacturer Amiblu came to light, Namibia Industrial Development Agency (Nida) acting chief executive officer Phillip Namundjebo says the planned N$400 million pipe manufacturing plant at Walvis Bay is expected to break ground in August or September this year.

Namundjebo said the project remains on track to start production in 2027.

He made the remarks in an interview this week, during which he confirmed that the project remains on course and that all parties are committed to its implementation.

His comments come amid claims by critics that the project had stalled due to disagreements with the foreign investor.

“The project is not stalled. A project of this magnitude requires extensive behind-the-scenes work prior to implementation. However, the project is at an advanced stage,” Namundjebo said.

Namibian Sun reported last year that Nida, NamWater and Amiblu, an Austrian company and globally recognised manufacturer of glass fibre-reinforced polyester (GRP) pipes, had signed a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).

The agreement laid the foundation for a joint venture that would see a pipe manufacturing plant established on a five-hectare site in Walvis Bay provided by Nida.

The project was described as one of the largest industrial investments planned for Namibia.

However, nearly 12 months later, the parties have yet to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU). Namundjebo confirmed this week that the agreement is close to being finalised.

“Amiblu remains committed and is still the investor and partner in this project. Consensus has been reached on the terms of the agreement for signature and implementation,” he said.

“The final investment arrangements are at an advanced stage and remain under negotiation.”

On project expenditure, Namundjebo said Nida's costs have been minimal.

“Thus far, Nida's expenditure has been limited to standard due diligence processes during the initial phase of the project. No other expenses have been incurred to date,” he said, adding that no funds have been spent on site preparation.

Namibian Sun previously reported that Nida spent more than N$420 000 to send executives and board members to tour Amiblu's manufacturing facility in Spain in June 2025.

Namundjebo further said Nida has not engaged any local engineers or consultants for the project.

“Amiblu commissioned limited preliminary work by a local engineering consulting firm and has been invoiced accordingly,” he said.

NamWater is the third party to the agreement.

“NamWater is a key strategic partner in the project, given the nature of water pipe manufacturing and Amiblu's status as a globally recognised GRP pipe technology and patent holder,” Namundjebo said.

He said the project aligns with Nida's mandate and national policy objectives aimed at promoting local value addition and manufacturing value-chain development.

Amiblu owns globally recognised GRP pipe technologies and patents marketed under the Hobas and Flowtite brands. The Austrian company recently expanded its manufacturing operations in Morocco.

Speaking to the Namibian Sun last year, former Nida acting chief executive officer Richwell Lukonga said the investment would generate employment opportunities and provide long-term benefits to Nida.

“The deal will create jobs, and we will benefit from dividend payouts and many other opportunities,” Lukonga said.