In a bold step toward transforming Namibia’s agriculture sector, Standard Bank Namibia has financed N$40 million in blueberry farming – a strategic move reinforcing the Bank’s commitment to sustainable growth, agricultural innovation, and inclusive socioeconomic development.
This landmark investment supports Namibia Berries; a pioneering agribusiness project located near the town of Divundu in the Kavango East region. With global export demand rising, the farm’s blueberries are flourishing under protective netting across 90 hectares of farmland, with an additional 30 hectares underway. At full scale, the project has the potential to reach 500 hectares to be completed over four phases, with the total investment expected to exceed N$1 billion.
Standard Bank Namibia’s N$40 million financing – split evenly between working capital and CAPEX – has played a critical role in accelerating the farm’s development. The successful completion of Phase 1 (b) in January 2025 marked a major milestone, with more than N$200 million already invested by shareholders.
“Namibia is our home; we drive her growth,” said Gerhard Mukuahima, Head: Agribusiness, Standard Bank Namibia. “This investment reflects our commitment to enabling sustainable economic growth through partnerships that deliver long-term impact.”
Beyond commercial farming, Namibia Berries stands out for its community-first approach. Through structured training and skills development programmes, the initiative empowers Namibians, enhances food security, and generates employment, ultimately contributing to national development priorities.
The farm is also equipped with a fully operational cooling facility, ensuring quality post-harvest handling that meets global export standards. Sustainability is embedded throughout the operation — from responsible water usage to environmental stewardship and consistent community engagement.
As Namibia Berries and Standard Bank Namibia forge ahead, they are not only cultivating blueberries but laying down a blueprint for a thriving, export-driven agricultural sector — where innovation, investment, and impact grow together.
Namibia Berries is a large-scale hydroponic blueberry farm located in Divundu, Namibia, focused on diversifying the country’s agricultural exports and creating jobs. The project, initiated in 2021, aims to develop a 250-hectare farm with plans to expand beyond 500 hectares. It’s backed by a significant investment and is designed to have a positive impact on the local community through job creation, skills transfer, and infrastructure development.
Standard Bank Namibia Limited, commonly referred to as Standard Bank Namibia, is a Namibian commercial bank. It is licensed, supervised and regulated by the Bank of Namibia, the central bank and national banking regulator.