In a bold move that could reshape the future of aquaculture in Africa, a group of Norwegian seafood industry veterans, led by former PwC partner Torben Foss, has stepped up plans to establish a groundbreaking offshore salmon farming project in Namibia. The initiative, spearheaded by the newly formed African Aquaculture Company, has been granted three permits for the production of up to 51,000 metric tons of Atlantic salmon at sea annually, leveraging Namibia’s unique marine environment and the expertise of some of Norway’s most seasoned aquaculture professionals.
The project, represents a significant investment in Namibia’s burgeoning aquaculture sector. It also underscores the growing global demand for sustainable seafood and the potential of Africa’s largely untapped marine resources to meet this demand.
A Strategic Location: The Benguela Current
At the heart of the project is the Benguela Current, a cold ocean current that flows along the west coast of southern Africa. Originating in the Southern Ocean, this current is remarkably similar to the Humboldt Current off the coast of Chile, which has long been a cornerstone of that country’s highly successful aquaculture industry.
“Along the west coast of southern Africa runs a cold ocean current, the Benguela Current, which comes from the Southern Ocean, just like the Humboldt Current that runs up the west coast of Chile,” Foss explained in a recent interview. “This makes Namibia an ideal location for offshore salmon farming, offering conditions that are both environmentally favorable and conducive to high-quality salmon production.”
The Benguela Current’s cold, nutrient-rich waters provide an optimal environment for salmon farming, ensuring healthy growth rates and high-quality fish. By harnessing this natural resource, the African Aquaculture Company aims to replicate the success of salmon farming in Norway and Chile, two of the world’s leading producers of farmed Atlantic salmon.
A Vision for Sustainable Seafood Production
The launch of this project comes at a time when global demand for seafood is surging, driven by population growth, rising incomes, and increasing awareness of the health benefits of seafood. However, wild fish stocks are under immense pressure, with many species overfished or depleted. Aquaculture, particularly offshore farming, is increasingly seen as a sustainable solution to meet this demand while reducing the strain on natural ecosystems.
The African Aquaculture Company’s project is designed with sustainability at its core. By locating the farms offshore, the company aims to minimize environmental impact, reduce the risk of disease transmission, and ensure optimal water quality for the salmon. The use of advanced farming technologies, honed over decades in Norway, will further enhance the project’s sustainability credentials.
Torben Foss and his team bring a wealth of experience to the table. Norway, the world’s largest producer of farmed Atlantic salmon, has long been a global leader in aquaculture innovation. The Norwegian seafood industry’s expertise in offshore farming, combined with Namibia’s favorable environmental conditions, creates a powerful synergy that could position the African Aquaculture Company as a major player in the global seafood market.
Economic and Social Benefits for Namibia
Beyond its environmental and commercial potential, the project is expected to deliver significant economic and social benefits to Namibia. The country, known for its rich natural resources, has been seeking to diversify its economy and reduce its reliance on mining and tourism. Aquaculture offers a promising avenue for economic growth, particularly in coastal communities.
The African Aquaculture Company’s project is expected to create hundreds of jobs, both directly and indirectly, in areas such as farm operations, logistics, and processing. It will also provide opportunities for skills development and technology transfer, helping to build local expertise in aquaculture. Over time, this could establish Namibia as a hub for sustainable seafood production in Africa.
In addition to job creation, the project is likely to generate substantial revenue for the Namibian government through permits, taxes, and export earnings. Atlantic salmon is a high-value product with strong demand in international markets, particularly in Europe, North America, and Asia. By producing salmon locally, Namibia could reduce its reliance on imported seafood and potentially become a net exporter of high-quality fish.
Challenges and Opportunities
While the project holds immense promise, it is not without challenges. Offshore farming is a complex and capital-intensive endeavor, requiring significant investment in infrastructure, technology, and expertise. The African Aquaculture Company will need to navigate regulatory requirements, environmental concerns, and potential risks such as extreme weather events and disease outbreaks.
However, the team’s extensive experience in the seafood industry positions them well to address these challenges. By adopting best practices from Norway and other leading aquaculture nations, the company aims to set a new standard for sustainable offshore farming in Africa.
A Model for the Future
The launch of the African Aquaculture Company’s offshore salmon farming project in Namibia represents a milestone in the global aquaculture industry. It highlights the potential of Africa’s marine resources to contribute to sustainable food production and economic development. It also underscores the importance of international collaboration and knowledge transfer in addressing global challenges such as food security and environmental sustainability.
As the project moves forward, it will be closely watched by industry stakeholders, policymakers, and environmental organizations. If successful, it could serve as a model for future aquaculture ventures in Africa and beyond, demonstrating how innovation, sustainability, and collaboration can unlock the potential of the world’s oceans to feed a growing population.
For Namibia, the project is more than just an economic opportunity—it is a chance to position itself as a leader in sustainable development and a key player in the global seafood market. For the world, it is a reminder of the untapped potential of our oceans and the importance of investing in solutions that balance economic growth with environmental stewardship.