The Otjozondjupa Region has marked yet another milestone in value addition within the agricultural sector with the opening of a new charcoal sorting factory at Farm Aris, outside Grootfontein.
The factory, owned by farmer Onesmus Hanhapo, aims to add value to Namibia's agricultural outputs while creating local employment opportunities.
Hanhapo, who also farms with livestock and engages in horticulture, said the establishment of the charcoal sorting facility aligns with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's vision that 'the next generation of billionaires will come from farming'.
"At our charcoal production and processing factory, we produce and sort different types of charcoal. We have barbecuing charcoal and restaurant charcoal; those are the bigger ones in size. We have firewood. Our products are produced by Invadables with no chemical additives and packed for local and export markets."
He added that agriculture remains the next big economic frontier for Namibia, and more farmers should explore ways to diversify and innovate within the sector.
Otjozondjupa's Governor John ||Khamuseb commended Hanhapo's initiative, urging local producers to prioritise quality and consistency in their outputs.
"This is a concrete example of how industrial decentralisation and public sector participation can bring meaningful development to our region, which is not just a promise. It is a reality that happened today; alongside the factory launch, the agricultural exhibition reminds us that the land remains the heartbeat of the Namibian nation. It feeds our families, sustains our industries, and drives our economy."
||Khamuseb expressed concern that while Namibia continues to export grade-one agricultural products, the domestic market is flooded with low-quality imports.
Otjozondjupa Police Commander Philip Hidengwa called on farmers to unite in the fight against crime, especially stock theft, which he described as one of the region's biggest challenges, keeping law enforcers awake at night.
The launch of the charcoal sorting factory at Farm Aris is seen as a step toward industrialising the region's agricultural value chain and strengthening rural economic growth.