Henties Bay has launched a biotechnology venture valued at over 250 million Namibian dollars, aimed at providing a sustainable, long-term solution for managing Namibia’s growing seal population.
The project, led by the start-up Vigor Biotechnology, is set to create jobs and has strong export potential for the fishing hamlet located about 100 kilometers north of the Port of Walvis Bay.
The initiative will unfold in three phases, starting with the establishment of a facility dedicated to extracting seal oil and processing seal nuts.
In addition to production facilities, plans include the construction of residential and office spaces for staff.
This venture will be the second seal-processing plant in Henties Bay. The existing facility has faced difficulties related to ownership changes and challenges in accessing international markets, partly due to pressure from global animal rights organizations.
Vigor Biotechnology’s managing director, Albertus Diedericks, stated that the initial phase would occupy five hectares of a 25-hectare site already secured in the town, with construction set to begin at the end of the month.
The operation will involve harvesting seals to produce raw oil and fish feed from by-products. Biotechnology will be used to manufacture soft-gel Omega-3 capsules, while the nut-processing division will focus on creams and health supplements, with trial production expected by 2026.
Once the facility reaches full capacity, it is projected to process approximately 400 seals daily. The first phase will focus on seal and nut processing, followed by the development of an oil refinery and laboratory. The final phase will involve a leather production plant using seal skins.
The Namibian government has strongly supported the initiative, with key ministries endorsing the project. The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Natural Resources has also recommended increasing the annual seal harvesting quota from 50,000 to 200,000 animals, citing the need to manage the growing seal population and protect Namibia’s fish stocks.
The current quota remains underutilized due to limited market demand, contributing to an increase in seal numbers. To address this, the committee has proposed extending the harvesting season and promoting greater domestic consumption of seal meat.
Mac-Albert Hengari, Namibia’s Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Land Reform, highlighted the investment as an example of successful collaboration between the government and the private sector.
The plant will produce high-value seal and nut oils, rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which are in demand in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. However, due to the controversy surrounding Namibia’s past seal culling practices, Vigor Biotechnology has been asked to adhere to high environmental and labor standards, ensuring its operations are guided by scientific data and monitored quotas to maintain ecological balance while benefiting from the country’s seal resource.
