WALVIS BAY salt Holdings unveils N$100 million warehouse in boost to export capacity

The official opening of Walvis Bay Salt Holdings’ (WBSH) new N$100 million salt warehouse at the Port of Walvis Bay took place on 20 May, marking a significant step forward in Namibia’s industrial and export development.The facility is designed to protect product quality by reducing dust pollution and contamination, ensuring the company’s continued competitiveness in international markets.Managing Director André Snyman described the new warehouse as a crucial investment for the company’s long-term sustainability. “This N$100 million warehouse is a stay-in-business project that ensures the integrity and quality of our salt exports,” emphasizing the facility’s role in addressing dust pollution and preventing product contamination.Walvis Bay Salt, which recently marked its 60th anniversary, is a key player in Namibia’s export landscape. The company exports to over 15 international markets and is the largest volume exporter through the Port of Walvis Bay, accounting for 70% of its product flow through the harbor. In 2024 alone, WBSH contributed more than N$36 million in revenue to Namport.Despite its achievements, Snyman highlighted challenges the company faces, particularly the impact of international trade policies. “Our exports to one of our major U.S. clients have halted due to tariffs imposed during the Trump administration. This affects not only us but Namport as well,” he stated.Unlike many extractive operations with finite life spans, Walvis Bay Salt benefits from a theoretically endless resource. However, Snyman highlighted that maintaining economic viability depends on staying competitive in the global market. While the company can not match high-value mineral exports on port rates, it compensates with high export volumes currently reaching 700,000 tons annually.In addition to crude salt, WBSH adds value through its Ekango refinery, which produces premium table salt under the Cerebos brand. The company also continues to invest heavily in local infrastructure, with over N$400 million invested in Namibia over the past decade.These funds have gone into expanding the salt field, upgrading processing facilities, and increasing refining capacity.“Our field production costs have only risen 4% over seven years, but logistics and value chain costs have surged by 48 % .”“That’s why process efficiency and strategic investment are essential to our survival,” Snyman revealed.

WALVIS BAY salt Holdings unveils N$100 million warehouse in boost to export capacity

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Namibian Sun 2025-08-25

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WALVIS BAY salt Holdings unveils N$100 million warehouse in boost to export capacity

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Namibian Sun 2025-08-25

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