Wild Namibia—an ocean of contrasts
Breathtaking Namibia is a place to experience and live your soulful dreams. When you experience the serenity, you may feel like you are the only person on the planet
Given Namibia’s stunning tapestry of incredible natural treasures, it is no surprise to learn tourism is the fastest growing sector, and an ideal industry for international investors to focus on.
Indeed, so many foreign visitors are flocking to this corner of the continent the industry is struggling to satisfy demand, with the availability of accommodation often at a premium.
Namibia’s natural and cultural charms are a delight, from ascending the highest sand dunes in the world, to exploring the deepest canyon in
Africa, the Namibia Tourism Board’s (NTB) advice of “finding adventure, and you may just find yourself”, almost certainly rings true.
“Namibia has made tremendous efforts and had significant success in biodiversity conservation. We have an extensive network of National Parks, which have been expanded to conserve its globally significant biodiversity,” says Pohamba Shifeta, Minister of Environment and Tourism.
As the government agency responsible for bringing together the private and public sector, NTB is committed to the development of a sustainable tourism industry. “Soulfulness, ruggedness, and solitude. The three key pillars of breathtaking Namibia. Our beautiful country is the place for you, no matter what you seek,” NTB CEO, Digu Naobeb, says proudly. “A person can really get in touch with their soul in Namibia, especially in the peaceful and more remote areas. That is only part of the experience.
“There is very rough terrain in Namibia so if you desire that kind of an experience, then Namibia is the place for you. Namibia is a place to experience and live out your dreams. If you really want to have a space that is your own, away from a very busy environment, then this is the place.”
According to the senior executive, a lot of international travelers wish to immerse themselves in local culture by staying in a remote village or someone’s home so they can fully immerse themselves in Namibian life.
“We don’t want to over commercialize this aspect, but do want to showcase our national heritage and help local, disadvantaged people in the process,” he adds. “I’m especially proud of the environmental and climatic issues, which will be the first of its kind to be enshrined in a national constitution. As a semi-arid country, sustainable development is essential. Ecotourism is another area of vast potential, with our ultimate goal to become carbon neutral.”
Fishing industry on the crest of a wave amid steady flow of investment
Home to some of the world’s best fishing waters, Namibia boasts a large fishing industry that is a vital source of employment and foreign exchange earnings from exports. The National Fishing Corporation of Namibia (FISHCOR) is a key figure, as illustrated by the recent launch of its joint venture comprising sub-sahara Africa’s largest pelagic processing facility.
The Seaflower plant involved around $24 million of investment and represents the most significant investment in the Namibian fishing industry for many years. “Namibia has one of the best managed fisheries in the world, with one of the largest patrol systems and excellent resource management methods,” says FISHCOR Group CEO, Mike Nghipunya.
“Soulfulness, ruggedness, and solitude. The three key pillars of breathtaking Namibia. Our beautiful country is the place for you, no matter what you seek.” Digu Naobeb, CEO, Namibia Tourism Board
“Fishing plays a very important role in terms of Namibia’s employment relations, exports, and market positioning. Our role in international markets in Europe and Japan is under appreciated. We should take pride in our exports to Europe as we meet European standards. The government is very strict about ensuring the industry gives back to the country. Every company must regularly show the social responsibility activities it has undertaken.”