Namibia charts a bold course with two landmark salmon farming projects

NAMIBIA – Namibia is setting its sights on becoming a powerhouse in African aquaculture with two large-scale Atlantic salmon farming ventures set to transform its fishing industry and position the country as a regional hub for premium seafood production.

The two projects- Benguela Blue Aqua Farming (BBA) and African Aquaculture Company (AAC)- are set to bring salmon, a non-native species, to Namibian waters for the first time. 

BBA, founded by Austrian entrepreneur Johannes Aldrian, and AAC, a Norway-backed initiative led by former PwC partner Torben Foss and Namibian businessman Clement Kaukuetu, aim to produce a combined total of 86,000 tonnes of Atlantic salmon annually.

“We foresee operations will be fully functional at this site within 10 years,” said Aldrian, referring to BBA’s Lüderitz facility. “Our goal is to purchase nearby land and reach annual production capacity of 35,000 tonnes for export and local markets.”

AAC, which received permits a year ago, is planning for 51,000 tonnes of production and has already committed N$8.5 billion (approximately US$442 million) to its Namibian operations. 

“The salmon dream was born six years ago when I met Foss,” said Kaukuetu. “Early on, we both recognised the potential for cultivating North Atlantic salmon in the pristine environments of Namibia and South Africa.”

The projects are modelled on Norway and Chile’s salmon farming successes, using Norwegian aquaculture technology and expertise. 

Both ventures will utilise the cold, nutrient-rich Benguela current, which mirrors the conditions of the Humboldt current off Chile, to support offshore salmon farming in specially designed rigs and pens.

AAC’s phased investment includes a pilot offshore facility and future full-field development, supported by both international and local investors. Hatchlings will be sourced from freshwater hatcheries in Norway and South Africa.

Demand for salmon triples in Namibia 

Despite not being native to Namibia, salmon is seen as a lucrative option thanks to global demand, which has tripled since 1980. 

The Worldwide Fund for Nature estimates salmon aquaculture now accounts for 70% of the global salmon market, while MarketWatch projects the industry’s value will double to US$36 billion by 2033.

Namibia’s geographic proximity to Europe and emerging demand across Africa give it a competitive export edge. 

“This positions Namibia as a potential hub for sustainable seafood production in Sub-Saharan Africa,” said Kaukuetu.

Environmental concerns persist. The open-pen method of salmon farming has come under scrutiny for its potential to damage marine ecosystems and contribute to biodiversity loss. 

“We’re taking these concerns seriously,” said Aldrian. “Our fish will be vaccinated, not treated with antibiotics, and we’ll use escape-proof cages to prevent environmental harm.”

The issue of feed sourcing has also sparked debate. A recent NGO report warned that harvesting wild fish for salmon feed may worsen food insecurity in regions like Northwest Africa. 

But AAC’s Foss emphasised sustainability: “We buy from feed producers who use stocks that are not overfished. Fish suitable for human consumption should not be diverted into fishmeal.”

BBA plans to produce its own feed locally using Namibian agricultural inputs, potentially lowering costs, which Aldrian says account for 60% of operational expenses. 

Both companies have ambitious employment goals, AAC expects to create 5,000 jobs, while BBA is targeting 600 direct and 1,500 indirect positions.

“Namibia is the last frontier for salmon farming,” Kaukuetu said. With plans to expand into South Africa, these ventures could redefine African aquaculture and food security, while carving out a space for Namibia in the global seafood market.

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