Arandis:Green Charcoal Namibia has signed an agreement with the Arandis Town Council to expand its industrial footprint, doubling its land from five to ten hectares. This move is expected to boost the company's production capacity and create more employment opportunities.
According to Namibia Press Agency , the agreement was signed in Arandis on Thursday, marking a significant milestone for the charcoal-processing company, which started operations in the town in 2023. Chief Executive Officer Jean-Daniel Goblet stated that the additional land would facilitate the accommodation of larger volumes of raw charcoal and the further expansion of processing and packaging facilities.
The company currently processes 100,000 tonnes of charcoal annually, packages 40,000 tonnes in paper bags, and produces 8,000 tonnes of briquettes. Goblet highlighted the company's growth, from exporting its first trial container in 2021 to securing orders for over 1,000 containers this year for international markets. With the expansion, the company aims to become more competitive globally and generate additional jobs, having increased its workforce from 50 to 140 employees during the high season.
Green Charcoal Namibia exports its products to various European countries and is exploring opportunities in Canada and the USA. General Manager Louis Dedeire mentioned securing export contracts worth approximately N$175 million for this year, supporting an estimated 1,000 jobs in bush-harvesting and farming communities. The company plans to purchase around 31,000 tonnes of raw material this year to process and add value to the product in Arandis.
Additionally, the company is installing a 400-kilowatt solar plant and a 600-kilowatt battery storage system to operate independently of diesel generators by December 2026. Erongo Governor Natalia /Goagoses praised the expansion as a sign of investor confidence and encouraged local businesses to engage in providing services like construction, transport, and catering. Arandis Mayor Johanna Namupala noted that the investment aligns with the council's strategic plan prioritizing industrial development from 2024 to 2029.
The company sources charcoal from Namibian farms, promoting rangeland restoration through harvesting encroacher bush, before processing and packaging the products for export via the Port of Walvis Bay.