The Namibia Grape Company (NGC) solidified its commitment to social and economic upliftment with the official launch of its NGC Housing Project in Aussenkehr, attended by President H.E. Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on Monday. This strategic development is poised to significantly enhance the quality of life for the company’s nearly 1,900 Namibian employees and the surrounding communities, serving as a powerful move to strengthen the economic footing of the Karas Region through tangible investments in its workforce. The event successfully brought together key government officials, local community leaders, and industry partners to showcase NGC’s continuous operational progress and the transformative nature of this new initiative.
Established in 1999 with the vision of harnessing Namibia’s agricultural potential while driving meaningful socio-economic growth, NGC has grown into a cornerstone of the regional and national economy. The farm operates over 400 hectares under grape production, utilizing an integrated approach that includes over 400 hectares dedicated to infrastructure, making agriculture a powerful driver of national growth and local community elevation. The new housing project stands as a vital component of NGC’s broader vision to provide safe, quality housing for its employees and their families, moving beyond mere production success to embrace holistic, sustainable development.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah lauded NGC’s balanced approach, emphasizing that agriculture remains a key priority for both economic growth and ensuring national food security. She expressed her admiration for how NGC has successfully merged world-class farming practices with a deep commitment to social upliftment, stating that the project is an exemplary model of how private enterprise can effectively align with national development priorities to improve livelihoods across the Karas Region. This sentiment was echoed by Dr. Sanet Steenkamp, who highlighted the initiative’s importance for youth empowerment and job creation, seeing it as a reflection of a modern Namibia where education meets practical opportunity and innovation transforms industries.
The regional significance was further underscored by Dawid Gertze, Governor of the Karas Region, who acknowledged NGC for demonstrating a farming model that leverages the region’s natural climate advantage with technical expertise and precision irrigation, thereby enabling the Karas Region to compete globally. Beyond its core business, NGC’s dedication is demonstrated through its Social Development Trust, which supports employees and communities within a 50 km radius through various initiatives. These include bursaries for students at UNAM and NUST, funding for 75 learners in the Kharas Region, and the establishment of an on-site clinic and a kindergarten for employees’ children, illustrating a comprehensive commitment to social responsibility.
As NGC plans to expand its housing portfolio, improve infrastructure, and integrate more young people into its workforce, the project embodies a robust model of sustainable growth that delivers benefits to both the local community and the national economy. The company currently exports its highly valued “new season” grapes to leading retailers and fresh produce importers across the United Kingdom, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Renowned for their early availability and consistent quality, NGC grapes are a critical supply source for Northern Hemisphere winter demand, cementing the company’s position as a globally competitive agricultural player with a deep-rooted commitment to national socio-economic upliftment.
