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Thursday morning, community members, government officials, and investors congregated in Henties Bay for the official groundbreaking ceremony of the Vigor Biotechnology Production Facility—a multimillion-dollar project set to change Namibia’s marine resources sector. A brisk Atlantic breeze swept across the coastal town.
Hon. Natangue Ithete, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy, gave the keynote speech calling the occasion a “bold step in a new chapter of Namibia’s accelerated economic development, sustainable environmental management, and value addition.”
The facility will process high-value seal and nut oils rich in omega-3 fatty acids—ingredients growingly sought after in worldwide pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and health supplement sectors. When finished, the factory is anticipated to increase jobs in the Erongo Region, promote local business, and strengthen Namibian manufacturing capabilities.
“Hon. Ithete said to the audience assembled under a marquee close to the building site, “This investment shows an innovative approach to resource use whereby science, sustainability, and socio-economic growth meet.”
Led by Managing Director Mr. Charlie Xie, the Vigor Biotechnology plant is being praised as more than simply an industrial expansion. It reflects Namibia’s dedication to inclusive development and value addition. The business already provides jobs via its current local activities. Particularly for young people and women in sectors including biotechnology, marine processing, and quality assurance, more job possibilities are expected with the new plant.
Hon. Ithete underlined again the need of environmental responsibility, underlining that seal harvesting has to stay scientifically directed and conservation-driven.
“Our approach has to always be conservation-driven, guaranteeing ecological balance while allowing socio-economic advantage,” he added, stressing that Namibia’s marine regulatory bodies have to guarantee rigorous adherence to national legislation and international best practices.
The initiative fits with national frameworks including Vision 2030 and the soon-to-be-launched NDP6, as well as the SWAPO Party’s 2024 Manifesto. The facility is meant to help greatly in the economic diversification efforts by turning Namibia’s plentiful seal population from an environmental management issue into a socio-economic chance.
Participation in shipping, packaging, maintenance, and other services related to the facility’s operations would also help local SMEs, which will have ripple benefits for the larger regional economy.
Among those present were numerous high-profile dignitaries including Hon. Sakwasa James Sankwasa, Minister of Urban and Rural Development; Hon. Indileni Daniel, Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism; and Dr. Elia Kaiyamo, Namibia’s Ambassador to China. Their presence highlighted the great governmental backing for the initiative and the need of international alliances.
Ambassador Kaiyamo said that Namibia’s increasing ties with Chinese firms such Vigor Biotechnology are proof of the country’s standing as a stable, investment-friendly country.
Hon. Ithete ended by urging all parties to consider what the day really signified. He stated, “This ceremony is not only the beginning of construction.” “It is the start of innovation with vision, development with dignity, and industry with impact.”
A sense of hope descended over Henties Bay as the first shovels stirred the soil on the windswept site—hope for jobs, development, and a future where Namibia’s resources are not only taken but changed for the advantage of its people.
