NAMIBIA—Eos Capital, the managers of the Namibia Infrastructure Development and Investment Fund (NIDIF), have approved the Namibia Spaceport project. 

This groundbreaking initiative, reportedly led by Q-KON Namibia, represents a major advancement for the country.

The spaceport will initially reportedly concentrate on ground gateway terminal hosting, providing critical infrastructure for satellite communications. Additionally, it will reportedly offer Earth observation (EO) downlink services, facilitating the collection of vital data from space.

Furthermore, the facility will reportedly support tracking, telemetry, and control (TT&C) operations, ensuring the efficient management and monitoring of satellites. 

This project marks a significant step forward in Namibia’s space capabilities and technological growth.

According to Namibia’s minister of information and communications technology, Emma Theofelus: “The Namibia Space Port represents a monumental stride towards harnessing the vast potential of space technology for the growth of Namibia and Africa’s communication capabilities.”

The Minister stressed the vitality of this initiative for Namibia’s National Space Science and Technology Policy, which was introduced in June 2021.

“This initiative demonstrates Namibia’s commitment to space exploration, innovation, and sustainable development. The Namibia Space Port, with its strategic focus on collaboration, capacity building, and technological advancement, will elevate our country’s standing in the African space arena,” she stated.

Reiterating the significance of this investment, Frederico Van Wyk, chief investment officer of Eos Capital, stated that the Namibia Space Port project’s approval demonstrates their commitment to advancing digital inclusion and connectivity to all corners of the country, fostering economic growth and innovation in Namibia.

This investment is part of NIDIF’s overall ICT sector strategy in Namibia.

“This landmark initiative aligns with Eos Capital’s mission to facilitate strategic investments that propel Namibia into the future and earn positive returns to investors,” he stated.

Q-KON Namibia, a CRAN-licensed satellite service provider, is poised to become a major player in the rapidly expanding Low Earth Orbit (LEO) business as the Namibia Space Port develops.

The LEO sector is currently working on 36 projects, with 63,418 satellites planned for launch.

Dr Dawie de Wet, Group CEO of Q-KON, commented: “We are honoured to lead this transformative initiative, which will enhance Namibia’s technological prowess and contribute to the growth of the LEO industry in Sub-Saharan Africa.”

Eos Capital invests in Namibia poultry business

Meanwhile, Eos Capital has partnered with Africa Venture Partner Projects (AVPP) and Oyeno Poultry Industries to invest in Kadila Poultry Farming through its Euphrates Agri Fund, Namibia’s only private equity agriculture fund. 

Kadila Poultry will construct a six-house broiler farm between Windhoek and Okahandja, which will have the capacity to produce 400 tonnes of poultry meat per month.

Oyeno Poultry, a Namibian-owned SME and the main sponsor of this project has been a key player in the poultry production sector since 2019.

Namibia currently imports between 2,000 to 2,500 tonnes of poultry per month. Kadila Poultry, with its expected production of 400 tonnes per month during phase one and the intention to double output in phase two, is a significant step towards reducing this reliance.

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