We googled you - Geingob

President Hage Geingob has urged Alberto Baillères to invest further in Namibia, while the Mexican billionaire raised concerns about the country's laws and whether his investment in the Erindi Private Game Reserve would be safe, once his purchase offer has been given the green light.The 87-year-old Baillères paid a courtesy visit to Geingob at State House yesterday, where Geingob said he had googled the potential Erindi buyer.The closed-door meeting was also attended by land reform minister Utoni Nujoma, finance minister Calle Schlettwein, presidential affairs minister Martin Andjaba and attorney-general Dr Albert Kawana.Geingob briefed the media afterwards, but Baillères did not utter a single word. The Erindi transaction is currently awaiting regulatory approval by the Namibian Competition Commission (NaCC). This is a standard process where sizeable acquisitions are concerned and Baillères and his team are working closely with the NaCC to clarify the questions that have been posed.The next step is for all the suspensive conditions that Baillères and the seller agreed upon to be satisfied, before the sale can be concluded.“Baillères' investment is both welcomed and safe in Namibia. Our country is a strong constitutional democracy which respects the rule of law,” said Geingob. He also stressed the importance of attracting responsible and committed foreign investment to Namibia, which would assist the economy to the benefit of all Namibians.Geingob, who described Baillères as a special investor, urged him to make use of other investment opportunities in Namibia.He assured Baillères that Namibia is a law-abiding society, adding that a waiver was given by government to the owners of Erindi to sell the 71 000-hectare private game reserve. “Erindi is owned by foreigners and we do not have a law that prohib foreigners from buying land. Property owned legally cannot be touched.”Geingob also stressed that the farm is not suitable for resettlement purposes.“Here is the Mexican buyer, not to make money, but to conserve. Welcome, but you must also invest in Namibia. We googled you and you are a true investor.” Geingob urged Baillères to attend the upcoming investor conference and share his intentions with regard to Erindi and also other investment opportunities he is eyeing in Namibia. Geingob stressed that Namibians should not chase away investors and then cry that there are no jobs. “We must create a conducive environment for them. Schlettwein said Namibia's peace and stability had played a part in attracting Baillères.According to a statement issued on behalf of Baillères by Emergo Communications, the Mexican billionaire updated Geingob on his plans for Erindi, in anticipation of the finalisation of the sale.According to Geingob, Erindi will eventually become a conservancy in the future. Baillères detailed his plans to upgrade the reserve and safeguard the flora and fauna species at Erindi, while expanding ongoing conservation efforts. Nujoma said there are currently between 300 and 400 employees at Erindi and the aim is to branch out even further, with the surrounding communities benefitting.According to Emergo Communications, Baillères expressed his happiness about visiting Namibia again and thanked the Namibian government for extending a warm welcome. He was also complimentary of the professionalism showed by the government departments he has engaged with thus far.Baillères is the president of Mexico-based BAL Group, which has a proven and strong reputation, having operated for more than a century. BAL Group has diversified interests and Baillères has experience with managing several wildlife protection ranches in different parts of the world. Baillères is a philanthropist who aims to transform Erindi into a world-class game reserve, in line with the Ministry of Environment and Tourism's guidelines.His intention is to preserve Erindi for future generations and ensure that it continues to provide a sanctuary and safe environment for rare and valuable species such as elephants, black rhino, white rhino, wild dogs, cheetahs, leopards and lions, that are unique and an essential part of African culture and heritage.Ellanie Smit

We googled you - Geingob

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Namibian Sun 2025-09-19

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We googled you - Geingob

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Namibian Sun 2025-09-19

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