Namib Mills to open new Ondangwa distribution hub
Namib Mills is investing N$120 million in a new distribution centre in Ondangwa, ending a 31-year reliance on rented premises as the company consolidates its operations to meet growing demand.
The development was announced during a site visit by the Ondangwa Town Council on Tuesday, when general manager ST Ackermann briefed councillors on the project.
Ackermann said the investment would bring two existing rented facilities under one roof. The company currently operates a warehouse for dry goods, including Top Score, Pasta Polana and Rice King, as well as a cold-storage facility for chicken products.
“With the observed growth in product range and customer sales, it became essential for us to invest in a suitable space for our customers in the long term. The new facility will accommodate dry goods, cold storage, and distribution of bread products all in one location,” he said.
With 44 years of experience in food manufacturing and processing, Namib Mills operates a maize and wheat milling plant, a pasta processing facility, and rice and sugar packaging plants in Windhoek. It also produces instant maize porridge and Top Score instant porridge in Otavi.
Ackermann said the company employs approximately 3 600 people nationwide, including 170 in Ondangwa. It also employs between 300 and 400 casual workers to unload goods.
Namib Mills has warehouses and distribution centres in Windhoek, Otavi, Walvis Bay, Keetmanshoop and Ondangwa, giving it nationwide coverage and a growing export presence. About 60% of the pasta produced in Windhoek is exported to South Africa, Botswana and Zambia, while instant porridge manufactured in Otavi is supplied to South Africa and Zambia.
Ackermann said the project's success would depend on effective collaboration with the Ondangwa Town Council and relevant regulatory bodies to ensure that essential infrastructure, including roads and electricity, was in place.
Distribution and logistics manager Abrie du Plooy said the new facility would cover 7 000 square metres, seven times the size of the company's current 1 000-square-metre rented premises. In addition to expanded storage capacity, the hub will include offices for staff and parking facilities.
Ondangwa mayor Ester Auala welcomed the investment, saying the new facility would create employment opportunities for young people in the area. She encouraged Namib Mills to maintain its cooperation with the council and assured the company of the town's support.
Construction was awarded to Nexus Construction Company and began in April 2026. The project is expected to be completed by June 2027.
