Non coniferous wood fuel market in Namibia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2022, Namibia's non-coniferous wood fuel market volume expanded from 1.57 million m³ to 2.43 million m³. This rise was driven by the entry of new charcoal production facilities, such as those built at Witvlei and Otjiwarongo, which utilized abundant invader bush for fuel. Government support through the Bush Control and Biomass Utilization Project and a significant increase in sector employment to around 10,000 workers by 2019 underpinned this growth.

The market volume declined to 1.96 million m³ in 2023. During this period, the industry continued to focus on sustainable practices, including a pilot for FSC-certified charcoal production in communal areas and promotion of biomass trends at the Standard Bank Annual Biomass Fair.

By 2024, sector developments included the construction of new biomass charcoal plants employing advanced kiln technology, expansion into value-added products like animal feed from bush biomass, and the national oil company Namcor moving into sustainable energy. Employment in bush harvesting and processing had doubled to 12,000 workers since 2016, supported by ongoing government and international partnerships.

Production non coniferous wood fuel in Namibia

In kind, 2017-2020, K m³

Top producers of non coniferous wood fuel, 2017-2020

World map of production of non coniferous wood fuel, 2017-2020

Namibia's production of non-coniferous wood fuel has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 2 015 thousand cubic meters, marking a moderate rise of 9.4% compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 35.6%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 10.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Namibia in kind, 2017-2020, K m³

Exports non coniferous wood fuel from Namibia

Exports in kind, m³

Namibia's exports of non-coniferous wood fuel have risen for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country exported 8 654 cubic meters, representing a sharp increase of 105.2% from 2019. Over the four-year span from 2017 to 2020, exports surged by 749.7%, averaging an annual growth rate of 104.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Namibia in kind, 2017-2020, m³

From 2017 to 2020, Namibia's exports of non-coniferous wood fuel were heavily concentrated, with South Africa dominating the market. South Africa accounted for 97.0% of total export volumes during this period.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Namibia in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

The value of Namibia's non-coniferous wood fuel exports has grown for the third consecutive year. In 2020, export earnings reached 333.9 thousand US dollars, up by 43.7% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, the value of exports increased by 488.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 80.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Namibia in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Namibia's export earnings from non-coniferous wood fuel were largely driven by South Africa, which held a dominant share of 83.2% of total value. Other trading partners played relatively minor roles in the export structure.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Namibia in value, 2017-2020

Imports non coniferous wood fuel to Namibia

Imports in kind, m³

The import data for non-coniferous wood fuel into Namibia shows significant volatility, reflecting an unstable market environment. In 2020, imports dropped to 77 cubic meters, a decrease of 62.0% from the previous year. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2020, while the peak occurred in 2018 at 1 485 cubic meters, creating a 19-fold difference between these years. The largest decline was in 2019, at 86.4%, and the largest increase was in 2018, at 356.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Namibia in kind, 2017-2020, m³

From 2017 to 2020, Namibia's imports of non-coniferous wood fuel were highly concentrated, with Eswatini and South Africa together accounting for 99.4% of total import volumes.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Namibia in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Namibia's imports of non-coniferous wood fuel in value terms have declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, import spending was 34.1 thousand US dollars, down by 24.8% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 60.6%, averaging an annual decline of 26.7%. The highest import value was in 2018 at 112.3 thousand US dollars, with the largest drop occurring in 2019 at 59.7% and the largest rise in 2018 at 29.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Namibia in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

During 2017–2020, Namibia's import spending on non-coniferous wood fuel was primarily directed towards Eswatini and South Africa, which together made up 98.8% of total import value. Other destinations had only a secondary impact on the import structure.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Namibia in value, 2017-2020