Business Scout for Development Christina Pfandl has spoken about Namibia possibly being an underestimated sourcing market for fresh produce in southern Africa.
In a recent presentation, Pfandl noted that although Namibia is a net importer of fresh produce, it has some untapped competitive advantages worth exploring.
“Namibia produces fruit and more vegetables in addition to cereals, but is itself a net importer of fruit and potatoes, for example, mainly from neighbouring South Africa. But there are intriguing niche products here.
“What I can say in general is that logistics are very good here. We have the best road network in Africa, which makes transport within the country easier. There is a deep-sea harbour on the Atlantic coast, and currently there are 10 direct flights a week to Frankfurt am Main, which will be supplemented by three more direct flights to Munich from April next year,” she said, explaining one of the country’s advantages.
Pfandl also spoke about agricultural products with high potential in Namibia, first noting that one product that is perhaps not associated with Namibia is blueberries.
“Currently, 45 tonnes are produced here every year. The EU will be the primary destination for 99 percent of the exported goods. The GlobalGAP standard certifies the farms. Wherever water is available along the rivers, it is possible to grow blueberries. The aim is to further expand cultivation from the current 20 to 300 hectares, which could, of course, increase the harvest considerably. Our blueberry harvest season precedes the South African one, so Namibia has an advantage of about four weeks,” she emphasised.
Dates as a product are also becoming increasingly popular on the European and German markets, she said. “They are produced here in the country – 1.6 tonnes a year. Including different varieties from different suppliers. Here, too, 99 percent are exported. The market is relatively small, primarily exporting dried products, but it also includes some fresh dates. Harvesting takes place between March and June.”
“Another interesting product is pomegranates,” continued Pfandl. Production amounts to around 40 tonnes per year. “The harvest period is December to March. There are also different varieties here, which would also be ideal for export to Europe.” In addition, further processing is a “very interesting area.”
She went on to note that another product is the prickly pear. “Seven tonnes per year and different varieties are produced in the country.” The fruit is particularly interesting for export. “But also the processing of these products. The harvest period is in December and January.”
In the case of table grapes, “40,000 metric tonnes are harvested each year between November and January. Here, too, Namibia generally has a certain time advantage over producers in South Africa.” There are white seedless, red, and black seedless grapes of different varieties on offer. “Here, too, 99 percent of these grapes are exported,” Pfandl said.
In conclusion, Pfandl said, “There are other possibilities that might give you an insight into products that are not yet well developed. Namibia is trying to position itself more broadly and has carried out various test runs, for example, in banana cultivation. There is also potential in the mango and citrus fruit sectors, which have not yet been fully utilised. Partners are, of course, also welcome here,” she emphasised.