Green Charcoal Namibia plans to ship 30,000 tonnes of charcoal next season, tripling its export volume for the second consecutive year.
Green Charcoal Director Jean-Daniel Goblet said the expansion is expected to support over 4,000 people in Namibia.
“This expansion will increase indirect jobs to 825 on farms, excluding roles in transport, customs clearance, and other areas, supporting over 4,000 people in Namibia, based on an average of four people per family,” said Goblet.
For this season, the company’s factory quadrupled its production, exporting over 10,000 tonnes of charcoal to Europe, generating 275 indirect farm jobs and 148 direct jobs at Green Charcoal Namibia.
“We currently employ 148 direct employees, including about 20 engineers, mechanics, and technicians. Our office team has grown from 4 people during the inauguration to a team of 10, covering human resources, quality, logistics, and other areas,” said the Director.
He said the company anticipates increasing workforce in line with production and market expansion goals. Green Charcoals factory has recently reached its capacity to produce 8,000 tonnes of high-quality briquettes.
“This milestone followed extensive research to ensure we offer a premium product, promoting Namibian briquettes and ensuring stable demand growth in Europe. Green Charcoal Namibia now produces DIN-certified briquettes, meeting the highest quality standards,” Goblet said.
Thus, Green Charcoal similarly achieved the capacity to export 40 containers per week of screened and packaged products.
“We expect to consistently meet this target in the upcoming season,” Goblet added.
Goblet said the company primarily exports to the European market, including Germany, France, Belgium, Greece, Italy, Spain and the UK.
Additionally, “we supply remote locations like Reunion Island. We are also finalising contracts with the UAE and have received invitations to exhibitions in the Americas”.
In terms of new markets, Goblet is exploring opportunities in the Americas and other regions to expand market reach.
“Our main focus is on markets with seasons inverse to Europe’s, stabilising operations and promoting year-round stability for our suppliers,” he said.
The Director also highlighted that they are in the Research and Development (R&D) phase for two new products and an additional production process that will significantly enhance the quality of Namibian charcoal, boosting long-term demand.
Meanwhile to date, the company has invested a little over N$70 million in the project.
“We plan to invest an additional N$10 million in solar panels to reduce our reliance on generators, making Namibian charcoal more affordable overseas and improving our future forecasts. Since the inauguration, we have added an extra screening line and a fourth packaging line,” he added.
Goblet said charcoal is green and highly sustainable, sourced from invasive encroachment bush in Namibia, which depletes water resources, reduces biodiversity, and limits agricultural land.
Thus, by clearing this vegetation, the company restores ecosystems and improves land productivity.
“We buy charcoal from local farmers, ensuring compliance with Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) norms and Green Charcoal values, verified by annual inspections. Partnering with FSC guarantees a 100% renewable source,” he said.
He added that their supply chain is inspected by the Business Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI) and Earthworm, confirming top-tier international standards and social criteria.
“We prioritise the well-being of workers, ensuring that they are provided with PPE, and have access to water, food, toilets, showers and housing,” he said.
