Kelp cultivation project in early stages of commercial-scale operations

NAMPA

2024-11-20

LUDERITZ, 15 NOV (NAMPA)-Kelp Blue Seaweed Specialist Michael Fleischman and Kelp Blue Deputy Operations Manager Iriya Jona. (Photo by: Eba Kandovazu)

LÜDERITZ, 20 NOV (NAMPA) - Kelp Blue, a project in Lüderitz facilitated by the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), is progressing well and has reached the early stages of commercial-scale operations.
It grows and harvests kelp to enhance marine biodiversity, capture carbon, and create sustainable raw materials. The project cultivates giant kelp forests in the nutrient-rich waters of the Benguela Current.
“This makes the kelp grow very fast, all year round. Kelp Blue considers it the best place in the world to grow kelp,” NIPDB spokesperson Titus Shivute said during a recent media tour.
According to the company’s founder, Daniel Hooft, Kelp Blue is currently conducting trials to secure product registration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform for a bio-stimulant product intended to be used in agriculture as a safe and organic substitute for fertilisers.
With an investment totaling N.dollars 160 million, Kelp Blue has expanded since its pilot phase in 2021 and now employs 92 staff members, 96 per cent of whom are Namibian, with 48 per cent being women.
Hooft told journalists that six per cent of the total budget is allocated to staff training.
He further explained that Kelp Blue’s planting and harvesting of giant kelp forests off the coast helps to increase marine biodiversity and create sustainable input materials for multiple industries.
Kelp Blue operates under an Environmental Clearance Certificate issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism in 2021 and renewed in March 2024. The company also has an aquaculture permit from the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources which was issued in February 2022.
(NAMPA)
EB/EK/HP/AS

LUDERITZ, 15 NOV (NAMPA)-Kelp Blue Founder, Daniel Hooft. (Photo by: Eba Kandovazu)

Lüderitz NIPDB investment environment

Environment

Industry group proposes ‘triple-win’ water security plan for central Namibia

2026-06-11 07:37:44

NamWater urges collaboration to safeguard central region’s water security

2026-06-09 14:34:28

Hardap invests in agriculture and tourism to drive economic growth

2026-06-08 16:29:42

Namibia eyes marine expansion to meet ‘30 by 30’ conservation goal: Zaamwani

2026-06-08 14:43:42

Daniel calls for collective climate action

2026-06-04 16:07:43

President hails garlic trial as Sikondo farm tests new crops

2026-06-02 08:18:20

Nandi-Ndaitwah applauds Vhungu Vhungu Green Scheme for full land utilisation

2026-06-02 08:13:31

Oruharui expo concludes with crowning of best livestock

2026-06-01 12:41:13

OSHIKOTO FARMER PIONEERS AFFORDABLE ANIMAL FEED SUPPLEMENTS

2026-05-22 17:13:32

Ministry defines legal stance on proposed auction of Farm Neu Progress 506

2026-05-21 14:49:32

Muyunda issues strong warning against illegal fishing in Namibian waters

2026-05-21 10:48:36

Latest NAMPA photos

SWAKOPMUND, 11 July 2025 - Namibia emerged as the standout performer in the 2026 African country rankings, surging from 15th to 3rd place, largely driven by a favorable tax environment and improvements in other key areas. (Photo by: Isabel Bento) NAMPA.

NAMPA

SWAKOPMUND, 11 June 2026 -Speaker of the National Assembly Saara Kuugongelwa (far right), Erongo Governor Natalia /Goagoses (far left) photographed with ODEC management and staff and other political leaders during the unveiling of the Open Doors Education Centre (ODEC) Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Programme in Swakopmund on Thursday. (Photo by: Isabel Bento) NAMPA

NAMPA

WINDHOEK, 11 JUNE 2026 - Namibia has released its Impact Assessment Report on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the Accelerated Industrial Development for Africa (AIDA) in Windhoek on Thursday, an event commissioned by the Executive Director and Director General at the National Planning Commission, along with Jane Matsubara, JICA advisor; Mustafa Sakr, the Head, Trade and Market Unit at AUDA; and Akihiro Hoshino, Japan International Agency Resident Representative. (Photo by: Uakutura Kambaekua) NAMPA.

NAMPA

WINDHOEK, 11 JUN (NAMPA) The National Planning Commission has launched its Strategic Plan for 2025/26 – 2029/30. The commission's executive director, I-Ben Nashandi (centre), led the launch alongside key strategic stakeholders in Windhoek on Thursday. (Photo by: Uakutura Kambaekua) NAMPA.

NAMPA

WINDHOEK, 11 JUN (NAMPA) The National Planning Commission has launched its Strategic Plan for 2025/26 – 2029/30. The commission's executive director, I-Ben Nashandi (second from left), led the launch alongside key strategic stakeholders in Windhoek on Thursday. (Photo by: Uakutura Kambaekua) NAMPA.

NAMPA

WINDHOEK, 11 June 2026 - Former first lady, Monica Geingos. (Photo by: Molly Weyulu) NAMPA

NAMPA

WALVIS BAY, 10 June 2026 - Delegates attending the Association of Local Authorities in Namibia (ALAN) Elective Congress in Walvis Bay. The three-day congress will conclude with a the election of a new leadership to guide the association for the next term. (Photo by: Isabel Bento) NAMPA

NAMPA