Namibia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy, Natangue Ithete, officiated the groundbreaking ceremony for the Vigor Biotechnology Production Facility last week. The state-of-the-art plant, set to rise in Henties Bay, promises to harness Namibia’s marine resources to produce high-value seal and nut oils rich in omega-3 fatty acids, positioning the country as a competitive player in global biotech markets while addressing longstanding economic and environmental challenges.
Speaking before a gathering of dignitaries, investors, and community representatives, Ithete underscored the facility’s alignment with Namibia’s national development agenda, including Vision 2030, the Fifth National Development Plan (NDP5), and the SWAPO Party Manifesto. “This investment embodies our commitment to industrialization, economic diversification, and value addition,” he declared. “By transforming an environmental management challenge into an economic opportunity, we are writing a new chapter for Namibia—one rooted in innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability.”
The facility, spearheaded by Vigor Biotechnology in partnership with local and international stakeholders, will specialize in extracting omega-3 oils from seals and nuts for use in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and health supplements. With global demand for omega-3 products projected to grow exponentially, the project aims to capitalize on Namibia’s abundant seal population—a resource historically viewed through the lens of conservation debates. Ithete emphasized that the venture would adhere to strict ecological guidelines, ensuring seal harvesting is guided by scientific data, monitored quotas, and international best practices. “Our approach must balance ecological preservation with socio-economic progress,” he stated, urging regulatory authorities to enforce compliance with environmental laws.
The ceremony, attended by Minister of Urban and Rural Development Sakwasa James Sankwasa, Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism Indileni Daniel, Erongo Governor Neville Hope, and Vigor Biotechnology Managing Director Charlie Xie, among others, highlighted the project’s potential to generate transformative outcomes for local communities. Ithete noted that the facility would create “not just jobs, but livelihoods” for residents of Henties Bay and the broader Erongo Region. Existing operations have already provided employment opportunities, with plans to expand skilled and semi-skilled positions as production scales. Partnerships with vocational training institutions will further equip Namibians with expertise in biotechnology, marine resource processing, and quality assurance, fostering long-term economic resilience.
Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are poised to benefit through involvement in logistics, packaging, construction, and maintenance, amplifying the project’s ripple effects across the economy. “This is inclusive growth in action,” Ithete remarked, stressing the government’s dedication to empowering youth, women, and local businesses. By championing the “Made in Namibia” brand, the initiative aims to reduce import dependency while opening new export channels, bolstering foreign exchange earnings and national pride.
The Deputy Prime Minister also addressed broader industrial priorities, linking the facility to Namibia’s ambition to become a hub for value-added manufacturing. “We can no longer afford to export raw materials only to reimport finished goods at higher costs,” he said, advocating for a paradigm shift toward domestic processing. The Vigor Biotechnology project, he argued, exemplifies how strategic partnerships and technological investment can unlock the latent potential of Namibia’s natural resources.
Environmental and ethical considerations featured prominently in the discourse. With Namibia concurrently pursuing renewable energy targets—including a goal to generate 70% of its power from renewables by 2030—the government faces the delicate task of balancing hydrocarbon and biotech development with climate commitments. Ithete assured stakeholders that the facility would prioritize worker safety, health protections, and ecological responsibility. “Industrial growth must never come at the expense of our environment or people’s well-being,” he asserted, calling for vigilance in upholding conservation principles.
Community leaders welcomed the project but urged transparency in ensuring local benefits. James !Hoaeb, a Lüderitz-based advocate, emphasized the need for tangible outcomes: “Past projects promised jobs and infrastructure but fell short. This time, we expect Vigor and the government to deliver on their pledges.”
For Vigor Biotechnology, the groundbreaking marks the culmination of meticulous planning and a vote of confidence in Namibia’s investment climate. Managing Director Charlie Xie praised the nation’s stable governance and commitment to sustainability, pledging to align operations with national development goals. “This facility is more than a business venture—it’s a partnership with the people of Namibia,” he said.
As the ceremony concluded, Ithete reflected on the symbolic significance of the event: “Today, we lay the foundation for a future defined by dignity, opportunity, and innovation. Let this facility inspire similar ventures across our nation.”
With construction now underway, all eyes turn to Henties Bay, where the intersection of biotechnology and sustainable resource management could redefine Namibia’s economic trajectory. For a country poised on the brink of industrial transformation, the Vigor Biotechnology Production Facility stands as both a beacon of hope and a test of resolve—a promise that prosperity, when rooted in prudence and equity, is within reach.