Allexer Namundjembo
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah says the government remains open to the Cape Fria project, but only if credible investors are secured.
She made the remarks while responding to a question from National Unity Democratic Organisation (Nudo) member of parliament Vetoruhe Kandovazu during her recent state of the nation address (Sona).
“I would like to see the development of a smart city during my time as president, but when you look at some of these investors, they are questionable,” she said.
Nandi-Ndaitwah said the idea of developing Cape Fria dates back to the era of the then president Sam Nujoma.
She stressed the need for due diligence and warned the public against questionable proposals presented as smart city projects.
The project has been discussed for years. Plans include building a port at Angra Fria and a new city known as Atlantic City.
The development would be done in phases, starting with infrastructure planning, engineering designs, township development and land acquisition.
Future phases include a deep-sea port. The port is expected to handle imports and exports, support fishing, and move minerals and cargo for Namibia and neighbouring countries.
The project also includes plans for roads, rail and an airport linking the port to other parts of Namibia and the region.
A transport corridor is planned to extend across northern Namibia to a dry port at Katima Mulilo.
Cape Fria is located along Namibia’s northwestern coast. The area is remote and uninhabited, with the nearest station at Mowe Bay.
In response to the President’s remarks, Kaoko Fria Investment said it is the legitimate developer of the project.
The company said the project is ready for implementation and backed by investors.
“In direct response to the President’s emphasis on credibility, credible investors are not only being sought; they are already prepared,” said spokesperson Immanuel Nghifikwa.
He said the company has engaged the government, including the Ministry of Works and Transport.
However, the company has not named the investors or provided timelines.
Nghifikwa said the details cannot be shared yet because they are waiting for government approval.
“The many investors we have are on hold pending government approval,” he said.
The company warned the public against paying money linked to the project.
“Any individual or entity soliciting funds under the name of the Cape Fria project is acting without mandate,” Nghifikwa said.
Public interest in the project has been high.
Last month, many job seekers gathered in Windhoek to apply for jobs linked to the first phase.
At the time, the company said it plans to recruit across all 14 regions and expects to create more than 100 000 jobs.
The government has said job creation and infrastructure are key priorities.
Nandi-Ndaitwah said projects like Cape Fria must be based on credible investment and proper oversight.
In February, environment, forestry and tourism minister Indileni Daniel said no approval has been given to build a smart city or port at Cape Fria inside the Skeleton Coast National Park.
She said only the ministry can approve land use in protected areas.
Daniel said similar proposals were submitted in 2013, 2017 and 2022 and were rejected because they could harm conservation and tourism.
She said the ministry does not support building a city in the protected area.
The Skeleton Coast National Park was established to protect the environment for present and future generations.
