UK Company Acquires Majority Stake in Namibian Charcoal Producer
UK-based Big K Products has acquired a majority share in Carbo Namibia, a leading Namibian charcoal producer. This strategic investment is expected to boost production, create jobs, and inject over N$100 million into the local economy within a 150 km radius of Grootfontein.
Over the next three years, Carbo Namibia plans to hire an additional 100 employees, including a team for its briquette plant. Staff will receive comprehensive training to meet European quality and safety standards.
The expansion includes a N$10 million upgrade to the factory’s dust extraction system, enhancements to the briquette and packaging plants, and increased sieving capacity. These improvements will help the Grootfontein plant align with European production standards and double its annual export capacity to 20,000 tonnes of charcoal.
Carbo Namibia’s founder and Managing Director, Hans Steyn, emphasized the importance of financial stability and solid infrastructure in the charcoal industry, which is sensitive to weather and market changes.
Negotiations for the deal began in December 2023, signaling a new chapter of growth for Carbo Namibia. Steyn confirmed that full production has resumed in May following factory upgrades.
Looking ahead, all charcoal producers supplying Carbo Namibia will be required to obtain Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification. The company will support producers in meeting these requirements to ensure access to international markets. Compliance with the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) will also be enforced to help combat global deforestation.
Steyn noted the rising demand for high-quality, restaurant-grade charcoal, which offers better prices for producers. “We want to support farmers in producing premium charcoal that meets growing international demand,” he said.
Source: ( The Brief Namibia)
