Namibia gears up for salmon farming project
The initiative promises widespread economic and social benefits
Namibia’s blue economy is poised for significant transformation with the introduction of Atlantic salmon farming, spearheaded by the African Aquaculture Company.
Speaking at a recent sustainable fisheries seminar in Walvis Bay hosted by the International University of Management (IUM), Clement Kaukuetu, the company\'s country director, emphasised the industry’s potential to drive skills development, sustainable economic diversification and export competitiveness.
Kaukuetu assured stakeholders that the project is being implemented under strict compliance with both national and international regulations.
He said an environmental impact assessment (EIA) report, developed by leading specialists across multiple disciplines, has already been completed and is available for public scrutiny.
“This is the most extensive EIA of its kind ever conducted in Namibia,” he said, underscoring that it included broad public consultations and site adjustments to address concerns related to environmental sensitivity and maritime navigation.
To further strengthen its environmental commitment, the company has also developed and secured approval for an environmental management plan.
Sustainability key to project
Continuous monitoring and evaluation in partnership with the ministry of fisheries, will ensure operations remain within set parameters. Kaukuetu stressed that the company’s core philosophy is rooted in sustainability.
“A healthy fish is a quality product. To achieve this, we must preserve the environment, because clean waters are not only essential for the salmon but also for Namibia’s long-term ecological balance,” he added.
Beyond the ecological safeguards, the initiative promises widespread economic and social benefits.
The project is expected to stimulate growth across multiple sectors such as logistics, infrastructure, trade, investment and manufacturing technologies. It also aligns with Namibia’s broader vision of becoming a leading player in African aquaculture, thereby advancing national legislation and policy development in the blue economy, he said.
Speaking at a recent sustainable fisheries seminar in Walvis Bay hosted by the International University of Management (IUM), Clement Kaukuetu, the company\'s country director, emphasised the industry’s potential to drive skills development, sustainable economic diversification and export competitiveness.
Kaukuetu assured stakeholders that the project is being implemented under strict compliance with both national and international regulations.
He said an environmental impact assessment (EIA) report, developed by leading specialists across multiple disciplines, has already been completed and is available for public scrutiny.
“This is the most extensive EIA of its kind ever conducted in Namibia,” he said, underscoring that it included broad public consultations and site adjustments to address concerns related to environmental sensitivity and maritime navigation.
To further strengthen its environmental commitment, the company has also developed and secured approval for an environmental management plan.
Sustainability key to project
Continuous monitoring and evaluation in partnership with the ministry of fisheries, will ensure operations remain within set parameters. Kaukuetu stressed that the company’s core philosophy is rooted in sustainability.
“A healthy fish is a quality product. To achieve this, we must preserve the environment, because clean waters are not only essential for the salmon but also for Namibia’s long-term ecological balance,” he added.
Beyond the ecological safeguards, the initiative promises widespread economic and social benefits.
The project is expected to stimulate growth across multiple sectors such as logistics, infrastructure, trade, investment and manufacturing technologies. It also aligns with Namibia’s broader vision of becoming a leading player in African aquaculture, thereby advancing national legislation and policy development in the blue economy, he said.
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