WINDHOEK – In a move set to invigorate Namibia’s agricultural landscape, Standard Bank Namibia has injected a substantial N$40 million into a groundbreaking blueberry farming initiative. This strategic investment, announced in a media statement on Monday, underscores the bank’s unwavering commitment to sustainable growth and the vital development of the nation’s farming sector.
The banking giant has forged a powerful partnership with Namibia Berries, a pioneering agribusiness project nestled near the town of Divundu in the Kavango East Region. This landmark collaboration aims to revolutionize Namibia’s agricultural output, tapping into the burgeoning global demand for blueberries.
Currently, 90 hectares of the farm are flourishing under protective netting, with an additional 30 hectares actively under development. The N$40 million investment is strategically split, with half allocated to working capital and the other half earmarked for capital expenditure (CAPEX). Both components have been instrumental in propelling the farm’s rapid development.
January 2025 marked a significant triumph with the successful completion of Phase 1(b), a milestone that saw shareholders pour in more than N$200 million into the venture.
Beyond its commercial ambitions, Namibia Berries is also making a significant impact on the ground, earning recognition for its robust community engagement. The project actively offers training and skills development programmes, directly uplifting local residents and fostering economic empowerment.
Gerhard Mukuahima, Head of Agribusiness at Standard Bank Namibia, encapsulated the bank’s ethos: “Namibia is our home; we drive her growth. This investment reflects our commitment to enabling sustainable economic growth through partnerships that deliver long-term impact.”
