By Wynand Oosthuizen, Namibia Dairies Managing Director
In a country where rainfall is scarce and summer temperatures soar, sustaining a dairy operation might seem improbable. Yet at Namibia Dairies, a member of the O&L Group, we are proving every day that resilience, innovation and a deep sense of purpose can turn even the toughest conditions into opportunities for growth.
Our story is not just about producing dairy, it’s about nourishing communities, supporting local livelihoods and building a future we can all be proud of.
Adapting to an Arid Reality
At our !Aimab Superfarm in Mariental, nature continually reminds us to be both humble and inventive. With rainfall averaging just 200 mm a year and the intense Namibian sun as a daily companion, we’ve had to find smarter, kinder ways to care for our land and our herds.
From installing industrial fans and water sprayers to protect our Holstein cows from heat stress, to managing soil health with precision and care, we are committed to working with, not against our environment. Expanding to Otavifontein Farm has helped us safeguard feed supply in dry seasons, strengthening our resilience for tomorrow.
Innovation that Moves Us Forward
At Namibia Dairies, innovation is not about technology for technology’s sake, it’s about making a meaningful difference.
Drones, automated planting and harvesting equipment, smart dairy management systems and wearable Cow Health Trackers help us run more efficient, responsive operations, ensuring healthier cows and higher quality milk.
Our processing facilities are digitally connected, allowing global specialists to assist remotely and keep downtime to a minimum. UHT technology and our new Bactofuge system are helping us produce dairy products that are ever safer, longer-lasting and more accessible to Namibians everywhere.
Feeding Namibia, Sustainably
Every litre of milk we produce contributes to something bigger, Namibia’s food sovereignty.
By reducing our country’s dependency on imported dairy and by maintaining the largest cold chain footprint in Namibia, we help ensure that families from north to south have reliable access to nourishing, locally produced dairy.
It’s a responsibility we are proud to carry, every single day.
A Deep Commitment to Our Environment
Caring for our environment is not a side project, it’s at the heart of how we work.
About 20% of our electricity needs are now met through solar power. All carton packaging and caps for our fresh dairy products are 100% biobased, crafted from renewable sugarcane-based plastics and unbleached paperboard, a shift that reflects both global best practices and our own values.
Pivot irrigation on 50% of our fields, water reclamation systems in our factory and ongoing soil health investments all help us conserve precious resources for future generations.
Authentic, Ethical and Responsible Leadership
Sustainability for us also means authentic and ethical leadership, ensuring that our cows are cared for without the use of growth hormones and that our people work in environments that respect dignity, opportunity and fairness.
At Namibia Dairies, we are building more than a business. We are building a legacy rooted in care, innovation and trust.
In the face of every challenge, we are guided by a simple belief: that by working together, leading with heart and care and daring to innovate, we can create a thriving, sustainable future for our people, our communities and our country.