Namibia has lifted the ban on importation and in-transit movement of live poultry, birds and poultry products from Ireland following the regaining of freedom status of highly pathogenic avian influenza (hpai) in that country.

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FNB Namibia has won five awards at the 2023 Global Private Banking Awards hosted by Euromoney.

Netherlands start-up, Kelp Blue, says it intends to fully operationalise its processing plant at Luderitz by the end of June this year.

The firm – which secured a N$31.1-million investment from the De Beers Group to develop the world's first large-scale kelp farm off the coast of Namibia – was granted a licence to cultivate Giant Kelp off the coast of Namibia in 2021.

Kelp Blue’s processing plant was completed at the cost of N$59 million (US$5 million), with a production target of roughly 150 tonnes of fresh kelp per hectare.

“By producing bio-stimulants, Kelp Blue aims to meet the challenge of increasing global food demand and climate stress by offering an innovative solution to farmers,” Valentin Pitiot, Kelp's Head of Market Development and Agronomist told The Brief.

Kelp Blue collects cultivated kelp from the seaweed canopy to produce alternative agri-food, bio-stimulant, and textile products, and convert them into a variety of products, including bio-stimulants, at the new processing plant at Luderitz.

The development of the entire project, which is planned to be an 800ha commercial operation, is expected to cost N$938 million over a five-year period.

Kelp Blue is currently developing a range of products based on Macrocystis, such as agri-feed to feed animals in order to increase productivity and stimulate digestibility.

“The start-up is also developing alginates, an input for the bio packaging market. Kelp Blue's vision is to create products that enable the shift to sustainability in various industries.”

The project is not only aimed at creating local jobs and opportunities for green economic development in Namibia, but also at locking away significant amounts of carbon dioxide in the ocean forever, thus sustaining healthy marine life and ecosystems.

“Fully grown kelp will be harvested to produce ingredients for agriculture, especially bio-stimulants that enable crops to grow better and faster,” De Beers’ Head of Carbon Neutrality Kirsten Hund told the Mining Review.

She added that there are further opportunities in the pharmaceuticals and textiles industries, but the primary focus at present is to create a strong local business producing bio-stimulants.

De Beers is supporting Kelp Blue in developing the pilot in Namibia, as well as in the development of a methodology to measure the amount of carbon that Kelp is removing from the atmosphere.

“There is risk in start-up businesses but the potential of this goes beyond the carbon credit benefits, as it offers the potential for job creation in an employment-restricted area – and could truly energise the region,” said Hund. 

The investment from De Beers and initial backing from Climate Fund Managers,' Climate Investor Two Fund, are expected to fuel Kelp Blue's plans to create a strong local business that enables the shift to sustainability in various industries.

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Easter is a time for celebration, family gatherings, and memorable adventures. However, with increased travel and activity during the holiday season, it's crucial to ensure that your home and vehicle are well-protected.

The National Housing Enterprise (NHE) and the Public Service Union of Namibia (PSUN) have agreed to end the strike that began in February due to stalled negotiations for better working conditions.

Silvester Wayiti has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of HopSol Africa, a subsidiary of listed ,Alpha Namibia Industries Renewable Power Limited (ANIREP), effective from February 1st, 2023.

Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC) now plans to deliver 1,941 low-cost housing plots, up from the initial target of 1,585, under its Land Delivery Project.

Kaoko Green Energy Solutions has announced plans to develop a hydrogen hub in the Kunene Region.

The Retirement Fund for Local Authorities and Utility Services (RFLAUN) has provided pension-backed home loans worth N$227 million to 1,300 members in 2022, an official has said.

The Namibia National Farmers Union (NNFU) has urged farmers to start preparing for the dry season, warning that drought is imminent as the country received insufficient rainfall this season.

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