Business boom brings new jobs to Walvis Bay

WALVIS BAY – A wave of new business openings and retail investments in Walvis Bay is creating employment opportunities, expanding services and opening markets for local suppliers as businesses continue to invest in the coastal town.

The recent openings of Model Seagulls, Nictus Mega, Pupkewitz Goldwagen and iStore at Dunes Mall, alongside the expected arrival of an expanded Food Lover’s Market according to local business experts, reflects growing commercial activities at the town.

Reflecting on the growth, Walvis Bay mayor Johannes Shimbilinga said that he is very happy that investors believe in the town’s potential.

“I am very happy. In just one week, we have had four official openings: Metro Home, Model Food, Nictus and now Goldwagen. The jobs that have been created are great, and I am very happy,” he said.

Shimbilinga said the municipality had received interest from investors and approved land allocations for various business developments.

Adding that the town’s growth as an industrial hub required local government to create an environment that encouraged private-sector investment.

According to Shimbiling the increased business activity has breathed life into the town’s central business district, which in recent years has seen a steep decline in business activity.

“We can see the town is expanding and this not only signals growth but creates new business opportunities for locals as well as increase councils’ income,” he explained.

Pupkewitz Motors Managing Director Anton Westraadt also said that they have long envisioned opening a branch at Walvis Bay.

“It was music to my ears when the mayor said the role of local government is not to create employment, but to create an environment that gives the private sector confidence to invest in Walvis Bay. Through investment, we will see job creation and better lives,” Westraadt said.

The employment contribution of retail investment is already evident at Model Seagulls, which represents an investment of about N$33 million. According to its parent company, Ohlthaver & List, the store employs 70 people, including 29 new hires. Twelve employees who were previously on fixed-term contracts have secured permanent positions.

The company also said about 75% of construction expenditure went to coastal service providers, while approximately 95% of its suppliers are Namibian.

Local small businesses supply the store with fresh flowers, fruit, vegetables and locally roasted coffee. OL executive chairman Sven Thieme said the opening reflected the group’s confidence in the coastal economy and its commitment to Namibia’s growth.

“Model Seagulls reflects our belief that growth must create value and improve lives,” Thieme said, adding that the store was supported by a Namibian team committed to serving customers.

The company’s statement also highlighted the wider economic benefits of the investment, including opportunities for local suppliers and service providers.

Another addition is iStore at Dunes Mall, which opened as Namibia’s third Apple Premium Partner store.

Core Group Africa chief executive Matthew Grose during the opening told New Era that the opening was more than an expansion of the company’s existing operations.

“This store is not simply an extension of what we’ve already built; it is a deliberate commitment to the people of Walvis Bay and to Namibia,” Grose said.

Food Lover’s Market has also established a branch in Walvis Bay. The retailer has already advertised vacancies across several departments, including cashiers, receiving clerks, general assistants, bakery staff, cooks, butchery staff and supervisors. The total number of jobs created by the store has not been publicly confirmed.

Nictus Mega’s opening also expanded the town’s retail offering. Nictus Furnishers managing director Francois Wahl said the vision was to create more than a larger store, with the aim of offering customers a wider product range and practical solutions for their lifestyles. Nictus Holdings group managing director Philippus Tromp described the development as a sign of confidence in Walvis Bay and Namibia. He said investment should be measured not only by the buildings constructed, but also by the opportunities created for employees, suppliers, customers and communities.

“Real optimism is being prepared to invest today in the tomorrow you believe in,” Tromp said.

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