In the coastal haven of Lüderitz, where the whispers of the ocean dance with the winds of change, a historic milestone was marked yesterday as Benguela Blue Aqua Farming broke ground for Namibia’s maiden salmon farm. Anticipation swells as the ambitious venture sets its sights on an inaugural harvest by December 2026, heralding a new era of economic vitality and environmental stewardship.
At the helm of this pioneering initiative stands the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), orchestrating a symphony of innovation and opportunity. With Benguela Blue Aqua Farming leading the charge, this audacious project not only introduces salmon farming to Namibia but also positions the nation as a beacon of excellence in aquaculture across the continent.
Founded in 2020, Benguela Blue Aqua Farming has secured a license to cultivate an estimated 35,000 tonnes of premium Atlantic salmon off the pristine coast of Lüderitz. Beyond its sheer magnitude, this endeavor promises a bountiful harvest of economic prosperity for the region.
Projections paint a vibrant tapestry of employment opportunities, with 600 direct jobs and approximately 1500 indirect positions poised to invigorate the local economy. From specialized divers to administrative personnel, this venture offers a lifeline of growth and prosperity for Lüderitz and its residents.
Johannes Aldrian, the visionary Chief Executive Officer of Benguela Blue Aqua Farming, affirms the commitment to realizing this bold vision. As the venture embarks on its local investment round, offering shares in exchange for equity, Aldrian envisions a future where innovation and opportunity converge on the shores of Lüderitz.
During the groundbreaking ceremony, Mayor Phillippus Balhao encapsulated the significance of this historic endeavor. Beyond mere fish cultivation, the salmon farm symbolizes the preservation of heritage and the enduring identity of Lüderitz as a fishing town. Balhao’s words resonate with the promise of hope, ensuring the continued prosperity of local fishermen and women amidst the winds of change.
Moreover, the farm embodies a commitment to environmental stewardship, harnessing state-of-the-art technology and responsible practices to safeguard Namibia’s marine ecosystem. With a delicate balance between progress and preservation, the farm stands as a testament to the symbiotic relationship between humanity and nature.
Nangula Uaandja, the visionary Chief Executive Officer of NIPDB, echoes the optimism surrounding this transformative project. As Namibia’s diversification strategy takes flight, the salmon farm emerges as a cornerstone of economic evolution, driving prosperity and progress for generations to come.
In conclusion, the groundbreaking ceremony of Namibia’s first salmon farm marks not only the dawn of a new era in aquaculture but also a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of the Namibian spirit. As Benguela Blue Aqua Farming charts its course towards a bountiful harvest, the waves of change ripple across the horizon, carrying with them the promise of prosperity and progress.
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