September 22, 2024
Economy

Economy to get N$200m boost from Green Charcoal Namibia

September 27, 2023
Economy to get N$200m boost from Green Charcoal Namibia

The installation of a green charcoal production factory at Arandis will lead to the creation of 50 full-time jobs and N$200 million being injected into the local economy.

Minister in the Presidency Christine //Hoebes said the factory, operated by Green Charcoal Namibia, will also contribute an additional 850 indirect jobs as a projected 30,000 tonnes of charcoal is foreseen to be packaged by 2024.

"The inception of this project represents a clear and resolute commitment to environmental conservation, clean energy, and the well-being of our communities," //Hoebes said at the inauguration of the factory.

"It embodies the spirit of Namibia's determination to embrace innovation and lead in the pursuit of a greener, more sustainable future."

Presently, the factory occupies 4,000 square metres of covered space.  On either side of the building, the charcoal processing begins with two screening lines that sort the charcoal by size. The smaller charcoal pieces are used to manufacture fire briquettes.

The Green Charcoal Namibia factory will produce 8,000 tonnes of manufactured briquettes and export 40 containers per week.

"The production of green charcoal is not just an industrial process; it is a testament to our commitment to responsible resource management and a sustainable future," //Hoebes said.

"Green charcoal is a cleaner, more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional charcoal production methods."

"By producing it, we aim to reduce carbon emissions, preserve our precious forests, and significantly lower the environmental impact of energy consumption," she added.

The benefits of green charcoal are multifaceted, including combating climate change, reducing deforestation, which in turn mitigates soil erosion and helps to protect fragile ecosystems.

“By fostering a transition towards cleaner energy sources, we also improve air quality and the health of our citizens. This project holds the potential to create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and uplift the communities of Arandis and beyond,” she noted.

The Erongo Regional Governor, Neville André, expressed his gratitude towards the government and the local leadership for their foresight to relentlessly look for opportunities to diversify and unlock the local economy.

"I would equally want to express my gratitude to the investors for having selected Arandis as the ideal town for their investment and to utilise green and eco-friendly mechanisms in the production of the charcoal," André said in a statement read on his behalf by the Chief Regional Officer of the Erongo Regional Council, Benitha Imbamba.

"My appreciation also goes to the Namibian Government for having created a favourable investment environment and attracting the necessary foreign direct investment to our country, but most importantly Government's efforts and initiatives to grow our local economies and the manufacturing industry."

Green Charcoal Namibia is a N$60-million investment from European company Carbobois, a subsidiary of TOLEFI.

"Over the past century, Namibia has tackled a pervasive bush encroachment phenomenon, covering up to 45 million hectares of its land, causing detrimental effects on its ecosystem," said the Managing Director of Green Charcoal Namibia, Jean-Daniel Goblet.

"Namibian farmers recognised the potential of using this encroaching bush to produce sustainable charcoal, which soon found a promising market in Europe." 

"Given Namibia's political stability and openness to international investors, Carbobois seized the opportunity to establish a branch in Namibia, marking the birth of Green Charcoal Namibia." 

The Construction of the Green Charcoal Namibia factory started in May 2022, after Carbobois entered into discussions with the Arandis Municipality and the Erongo Town Council.

Carbobois has been a prominent charcoal distributor in Europe since 1982. With a robust distribution network spanning Belgium, France, Italy, Spain, Germany, and other European nations, Carbobois successfully distributed over 48,000 tonnes of charcoal products in 2022, equivalent to 2,400 containers. 

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