MIT support to Namibia’s Charcoal Industry Training on Sustainable Charcoal Production | GIZ

MIT support to Namibia’s Charcoal Industry

Training on Sustainable Charcoal Production

Call for Applications

The Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade – MIT and the Gesellschaft ftir Internationale Zusammenarbeit – GIZ are jointly implementing the Industry Growth Strategies – IGS and enhancing Business Development Services – BDS for Small and Medium Enterprises – SMEs through the Promotion of Business Advisory and Economic Transformation Services – ProBATS. The objective of ProBATS is to enhance the conditions for entrepreneurial activity in Namibia, which should allow Namibian businesses realise their growth potential. The IGS currently cover six industries: Charcoal, Coloured Gemstones, Cosmetics, Metal Fabrication, Swakara Wool and Game Meat.

Charcoal industry, one of the six value chains supported by the GIZ-MIT team, is by far the most important value chain from a value and employment perspective. Namibia is the fourth biggest exporter by tonnage in the world and in 2017, 124 400 tons were exported with a value of N$ 363 million. However, invader bush is a major problem in the agricultural sector of Namibia and the controlled cutting of invader bush can create a win-win situation for unemployed but eager entrepreneurs and farmers who need additional income in the current severe drought.

The growth of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises – MSMEs business sector in charcoal production is one of several critical vehicles for economic independence and employment growth. Therefore, GIZ-MIT team in cooperation with the Namibia Charcoal Association — NCA, are calling interested MSMEs to apply for training on improved technology in sustainable charcoal production to take place in Otjiwarongo at the NCA’s Charcoal Village Research and Development Centre.

The aim of this call for applications is to enhance human capacity development by empowering MSMEs with new skills and technology, and equipment utilisation through hands on training in sustainable charcoal production. The training entails amongst others, charcoal and biochar burning and harvesting techniques, chainsaw and pole saw operation, environmental regulations, and health and safety. Training on entrepreneurship and good principles of business management will be integrated.

The training is based on a successful pilot phase training that took place in Otjiwarongo in July 2020 targeted at 10 MSMEs consisting of 51 beneficiaries. Therefore, this opportunity is intended to benefit at least 100 MSMEs by 31st March 2021.

Interested MSMEs and charcoal producers should follow the link below to complete and submit their application form: https://startupnamibia.acceleratorapp.co/application/new?program=training%20on %20sustainable/020charcoal%20production

Closing date of applications is Monday, 21′ December 2020.