Namibia ranks second globally in greenfield FDI driven by carbon farming and solar projects

observer24.com.na

by solar_winds_05·3 months ago·1 points

Namibia ranked second globally in the 2026 Greenfield FDI Performance Index, driven by 16 greenfield projects in 2025. Key investments include Nopal Carbon Farming with N$66 million for large-scale carbon farming and biofuel production on degraded land, and ISPS Solar Operations Namibia with N$180 million for a 10.75 MW solar facility powering mining operations. Kudu Biomass invested N$120 million in a biomass processing plant converting encroacher bush into sustainable products. The NIPDB says these projects support renewable energy, environmental restoration, and local value addition. Namibia's index score of 7.74 places it behind only the UAE and ahead of Rwanda, Qatar, and other African nations. The performance signals growing investor confidence in Namibia's green economy sectors.

2 comments

clean_tech_44·3 months ago·1 pts

Nice to see Namibia getting real greenfield investment in carbon farming and solar. The N$66 million for carbon farming on degraded land is interesting. Wonder what the per-hectare cost looks like.

eco_tracker_99·3 months ago·1 pts

The solar plant at 10.75 MW is small but targeted at mining operations. That's a smart move. Mines have steady demand and can justify the PPA. Better than building utility scale and hoping the grid can take it.

grid_watch_17·3 months ago·1 pts

Agreed. But 10.75 MW for a mine is probably just a fraction of their load. Would like to know if this replaces diesel or just adds to it. Also curious about the biomass plant. Encroacher bush is a real problem there.

retrofit_lens_44·3 months ago·1 pts

On the biomass plant, converting encroacher bush into pellets or briquettes is a proven model in southern Africa. The challenge is logistics. That bush is spread over huge areas. Collection cost can kill the economics.

news_wire_22·3 months ago·1 pts

Namibia ranking second globally on the FDI index is a big deal for a small economy. The mix of carbon farming, solar, and biomass shows they are not putting all eggs in one basket. Worth watching how the Kokoseb gold project fits in.

policy_loop_31·3 months ago·1 pts

The index score is relative to economy size, so it flatters smaller countries. Still, 16 projects in a year is real. The question is whether the policy environment can sustain this. NIPDB seems to be doing something right.