Image Source: msfarmcountry.com

In a powerful endorsement of agribusiness as a vehicle for national growth, Standard Bank Namibia has invested N$40 million into a commercial blueberry farming venture near Divundu in the Kavango East Region. The initiative, led by Namibia Berries, is not only expanding the country’s horticultural footprint but also offering a blueprint for how finance, farming, and inclusive development can intersect.

The project, which already cultivates 90 hectares of high-value blueberries—with another 30 hectares under active development—uses protective netting to ensure consistent fruit quality that meets export-grade standards. With global demand for blueberries soaring, particularly in European and Middle Eastern markets, Namibia Berries is strategically positioning itself as a reliable supplier from the Global South.

Standard Bank’s investment is structured to catalyze both short- and long-term growth: half allocated to working capital to manage day-to-day operations, and half toward capital expenditure, supporting critical infrastructure and scale-up. The latest funding milestone—marked by the completion of Phase 1(b) in January 2025—brings total shareholder investment to over N$200 million, signaling deep confidence in the project’s agronomic and commercial viability.

But this isn’t merely a story of export-led agribusiness. At its core lies a strong community development ethos. Namibia Berries runs localized training and skills development programs, targeting underserved populations in the Kavango East Region. In a country where youth unemployment remains a structural challenge, the project is creating jobs, building capacity, and offering rural communities a stake in the agricultural value chain.

For Standard Bank Namibia, the investment reflects a growing commitment to climate-resilient and inclusive agriculture. As Gerhard Mukuahima, the bank’s Head of Agribusiness, puts it: “Namibia is our home; we drive her growth.” The strategy goes beyond philanthropy—it aligns with macroeconomic priorities around food security, job creation, and export diversification.

The Kavango initiative is a signal of where African agriculture is heading: toward specialty crops, high-value exports, and climate-smart finance models. As Namibia Berries continues to scale, it may not only put Namibian blueberries on supermarket shelves from Berlin to Dubai—it could also serve as a regional template for how banks and agribusinesses can co-engineer sustainable rural transformation.