In a bold move that could reshape the future of aquaculture in Africa, a group of Norwegian seafood industry veterans, led by former PwC partner Torben Foss, is advancing plans for a pioneering offshore salmon farming project in Namibia. Spearheaded by the newly formed African Aquaculture Company, the initiative has secured three permits to produce up to 51,000 metric tons of Atlantic salmon at sea annually. By leveraging Namibia’s unique marine environment and Norway’s world-class aquaculture expertise, this venture marks a significant investment in the country’s burgeoning aquaculture sector.
Strategic Advantage: The Benguela Current
At the heart of the project is the Benguela Current, a cold, nutrient-rich ocean current flowing along the west coast of southern Africa. Comparable to Chile’s Humboldt Current, which underpins a thriving aquaculture industry, the Benguela Current provides ideal conditions for high-quality salmon production.
“Along the west coast of southern Africa runs a cold ocean current, the Benguela Current, which comes from the Southern Ocean, just like the Humboldt Current that runs up the west coast of Chile,” Foss explained in a recent interview. “This makes Namibia an ideal location for offshore salmon farming, offering conditions that are both environmentally favorable and conducive to high-quality salmon production.”
By harnessing these optimal waters, the African Aquaculture Company aims to replicate the success of salmon farming in Norway and Chile, two of the world’s leading producers of farmed Atlantic salmon.
A Vision for Sustainable Seafood Production
As global seafood demand surges due to population growth, rising incomes, and increased awareness of its health benefits, aquaculture is emerging as a sustainable solution to relieve pressure on overfished wild stocks. The African Aquaculture Company’s project is built around sustainability, employing offshore farming techniques to minimize environmental impact, mitigate disease transmission, and maintain optimal water quality. Advanced Norwegian aquaculture technologies will further enhance the project’s sustainability and efficiency.
Torben Foss and his team bring decades of expertise from Norway, the world’s largest producer of farmed Atlantic salmon. By integrating Norwegian innovation with Namibia’s favorable environmental conditions, the venture is poised to become a key player in the global seafood market.
Economic and Social Benefits for Namibia
Beyond its environmental and commercial significance, the project is expected to deliver substantial economic and social benefits to Namibia. Seeking to diversify its economy beyond mining and tourism, Namibia is positioning aquaculture as a strategic growth sector, particularly for coastal communities.
The African Aquaculture Company’s initiative is set to create hundreds of jobs across farm operations, logistics, and processing, while also fostering skills development and technology transfer. Over time, Namibia could establish itself as a regional hub for sustainable seafood production.
Additionally, the project is expected to generate significant revenue for the Namibian government through permits, taxes, and exports. With strong international demand for Atlantic salmon, particularly in Europe, North America, and Asia, Namibia has the potential to transition from an importer to a net exporter of high-value seafood.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite its promise, the project faces challenges. Offshore farming is capital-intensive and requires robust infrastructure, technology, and expertise. The African Aquaculture Company must navigate regulatory frameworks, environmental considerations, and risks such as extreme weather and disease outbreaks.
However, with a leadership team experienced in navigating these complexities, the company is well-positioned to implement best practices from leading aquaculture nations. By adopting rigorous standards and cutting-edge technology, it aims to set a new benchmark for sustainable offshore farming in Africa.
A Model for the Future
The African Aquaculture Company’s offshore salmon farming project represents a milestone for the global aquaculture industry. It showcases the potential of Africa’s marine resources to drive sustainable food production and economic development. Moreover, it highlights the importance of international collaboration and knowledge transfer in tackling global challenges such as food security and environmental sustainability.
As the project progresses, it will attract the attention of industry stakeholders, policymakers, and environmental organizations. If successful, it could serve as a model for future aquaculture ventures across Africa and beyond, demonstrating how innovation and sustainability can unlock the oceans’ potential to feed a growing global population.
For Namibia, this initiative is more than an economic opportunity; it is a chance to lead in sustainable development and establish itself as a key player in the global seafood market. For the world, it underscores the untapped potential of our oceans and the need to invest in solutions that balance economic growth with environmental stewardship.