Arandis Dry Fish Factory has invested about N$1.4 million in a new industrial dehydrator as the Namibian-owned company seeks to increase its horse mackerel processing capacity, improve product consistency, and expand access to new markets.
The machine, procured from Ike Machinery in China in June 2026, marks a significant step in the factory’s efforts to move beyond traditional sun-drying methods towards more advanced fish processing technology.
Chairperson of Arandis Dry Fish Factory, David Ipinge, said the investment reflects the company’s commitment to adding value to Namibia’s marine resources, creating employment opportunities and making locally processed fish products more accessible to consumers.
Established in 2012 in Arandis in the Erongo region, the business is owned by three Namibian fishing rights holders: Reho Fishing, Dorros Fishing (Pty) Ltd and Starlit, which hold rights to harvest horse mackerel.
Modernising fish processing
The new dehydrator measures 6 300 millimetres (mm) by 2 000 mm by 2 500 mm and uses controlled dehydration to remove moisture from food products, helping preserve them and support more consistent processing.
The investment is expected to strengthen the factory’s ability to supply markets with stricter food safety and quality requirements, including those requiring compliance with internationally recognised standards such as Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) and International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) standards.
By incorporating the technology into its operations, the company hopes to improve product consistency, increase output and explore opportunities beyond its existing customer base.
For the factory, the investment builds on more than a decade of experience in processing horse mackerel into dried fish and fish biltong.
Previously, the company relied primarily on traditional sun-drying, using a netting system to dry fish naturally. While this method enabled it to establish its main products, the introduction of the dehydrator represents a move towards more technologically advanced processing.
Adding value to Namibia’s marine resources
Ipinge said investment in local processing is important in ensuring that Namibians benefit more directly from the country’s marine resources.
The factory’s operations reflect the broader objective of increasing local beneficiation by transforming harvested fish into finished products rather than relying solely on the extraction and sale of raw resources.
Through value addition, the company aims to retain more economic value within Namibia while creating opportunities for local businesses and workers.
Its approach also supports efforts to encourage Namibians to participate meaningfully in the economy through enterprise development, industrialisation and the creation of sustainable employment. The company believes that further investment in processing infrastructure will help strengthen the local fishing industry by creating opportunities beyond harvesting.
Fish as an affordable protein source
The investment comes amid challenges associated with foot-and-mouth disease in Namibia, which have placed additional pressure on the livestock sector and raised concerns about the availability and affordability of certain animal-source foods.
Against this backdrop, the factory sees an opportunity to promote fish as an alternative source of protein for Namibian households.
By increasing the processing of horse mackerel into dried products, the company hopes to contribute to a more diverse and accessible food supply while encouraging consumers to appreciate the nutritional and economic value of locally harvested fish.
Dried fish also offers practical advantages because removing moisture can help extend shelf life when appropriate processing, packaging and storage practices are followed.
The company hopes that increased production will enable it to serve local communities more effectively and make its products available to a wider range of consumers.
Seeking access to larger markets
Arandis Dry Fish Factory has been building its presence in the domestic market through participation in trade fairs and sales at community markets.
These platforms have provided opportunities to introduce its dried fish and fish biltong products to consumers while raising awareness of locally processed horse mackerel.
However, expanding into larger and more formal markets requires appropriate technology, consistent product quality and compliance with applicable food safety requirements.
The new dehydrator is therefore an important part of the company’s longer-term strategy to expand its market reach.
With increased processing capacity, the factory intends to explore additional commercial opportunities while maintaining its focus on Namibian consumers.
The investment could also strengthen the company’s operations and support its contribution to employment and economic development in Arandis.
Fishing quota constraints remain a concern
Despite the investment, the factory continues to face challenges in a competitive fishing industry.
Ipinge pointed to limited fishing quota allocations as a constraint affecting the factory and similar businesses seeking to operate sustainably and compete effectively in the local market.
Access to sufficient raw materials remains essential for processing companies that want to maximise the use of their equipment, maintain production levels and expand into new markets. Ipinge expressed appreciation to the Namibian Government for creating an enabling environment that has allowed Namibian fishing right holders to invest in local processing and establish a factory that provides employment opportunities for residents. He emphasised the importance of continued support for Namibian-owned enterprises seeking to move beyond harvesting marine resources towards value addition, industrial development and job creation.
Creating opportunities for
women
Beyond its commercial objectives, the factory contributes to the local economy by providing employment opportunities for Namibians, with a particular focus on empowering women. Fish processing creates opportunities across several activities, including preparation, processing, packaging, marketing and distribution, allowing community members to participate in the broader fishing value chain.
For women and other local residents, these opportunities can provide income, workplace experience and a pathway into Namibia’s blue economy.
As the factory expands its processing capacity, investment in modern equipment could also support local skills development and strengthen the contribution of value-added fish products to the regional economy.
Strengthening the blue
economy
The launch of the dehydrator represents another step in the factory’s efforts to strengthen Namibia’s fish processing industry and ensure that marine resources generate broader economic and social benefits. Since its establishment in 2012, Arandis Dry Fish Factory has sought to demonstrate the potential of transforming horse mackerel into value-added products for local consumers while creating employment and supporting enterprise development.
The N$1.4 million investment positions the company to improve its processing capabilities, pursue new markets and strengthen its contribution to Namibia’s blue economy. Its experience also highlights the importance of cooperation between government, fishing right holders and local enterprises in developing a processing industry that supports local employment, affordable food products and greater participation in the economy.
As the factory enters this next phase of development, its focus remains on adding value to locally harvested fish, expanding market opportunities and empowering Namibians through local industrial development.
-lmupetami@nepc.com.na
The post Arandis factory invests N$1.4 m in fish processing appeared first on New Era.