Wood charcoal market in Namibia

Earlier Report Observations

The Namibian wood charcoal market experienced transformative growth in production from 183,000 tons in 2018 to 328,000 tons by 2022-2023. This expansion was initially fueled by the sector's inclusion in national strategic plans like the National Development Plan 5 and the 'Growth at Home' strategy, which directed investment and focus towards charcoal as an economic driver. Concurrently, the development of Namibia's own Charcoal Standards aligned with Forest Stewardship Council requirements and the improvement of kiln technology enhanced product quality and efficiency, facilitating a surge in exports. This export growth, including entry into the United States market, meant that despite rising output, domestic market volume temporarily declined in 2019 as more production was shipped abroad.

From 2020 onward, production continued its upward trajectory, and the domestic market volume began a sustained recovery. A key development in 2021 was the launch of the 'Commercialisation of Bush Biomass in Communal Areas through FSC certification' pilot project. This initiative, supported by the Directorate of Forestry and industry groups, promoted sustainable charcoal production in communal areas and responded to growing international demand for responsibly sourced charcoal, underpinning the market's growth. By 2023, a notable reduction in export volume allowed the domestic market to reach nearly 199,000 tons, its highest level in the period.

The industry consolidated its growth with increasing organization and a focus on sustainability. The Charcoal Association of Namibia grew to 24 registered processors and buyers by 2024, reflecting market maturation. Regulatory discussions focused on phasing out less efficient earth mound production methods and improving fire safety. Furthermore, the accreditation of Carbon Capital for carbon credits in 2024 created a new link between charcoal production and environmental markets, adding a sustainability dimension to the industry's economic value.

Production wood charcoal in Namibia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of wood charcoal, 2017-2020

World map of production of wood charcoal, 2017-2020

Wood charcoal production in Namibia has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Namibia produced 257.4 K t of wood charcoal, marking a significant 12.7% rise compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 52.4%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 15.1%.

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

Exports wood charcoal from Namibia

Exports in kind, K t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Export volumes reached their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2020, with a 5.8-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Namibia's wood charcoal exports totaled 148.7 K t, showing a substantial 15.5% increase from the previous year. The minimum volume was recorded in 2018 at 25.8 K t. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a drop of 79.3%, while the largest increase was in 2019, with a surge of 399.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Namibia in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, South Africa, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom were the main destinations for Namibia's wood charcoal exports, accounting for 60.8% of total exports in kind. Specifically, South Africa represented 38.4%, the Netherlands 11.2%, and the United Kingdom 11.1%.

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

Wood charcoal exports from Namibia have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 40 494 K $ US, reflecting a 7.1% gain over the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports rose by 56.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 16.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands remained the leading destinations in the value structure of Namibia's wood charcoal exports, together accounting for 56.9% of total flows. South Africa contributed 22.5%, the United Kingdom 20.1%, and the Netherlands 14.4%.

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

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

Imports wood charcoal to Namibia

Imports in kind, K t

After a two-year decline, wood charcoal imports into Namibia increased. In 2020, imports amounted to 0.1 K t, up by 1.1% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 73%, with a compound annual decline rate of 35.4%. The minimum volume was recorded in 2019 at 0.1 K t, and the largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 57.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Namibia in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, South Africa was the primary and nearly exclusive source for wood charcoal imports into Namibia, accounting for 95.1% of total flows in kind.

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

After a two-year reduction, wood charcoal imports into Namibia increased. In 2020, Namibia imported wood charcoal valued at 79 K $ US, up by 33.5% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 28.1%, with a compound annual decline rate of 10.4%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 79 K $ US, and the largest decline occurred in 2018, with a drop of 27.9%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, South Africa dominated the partner structure of wood charcoal imports into Namibia in value terms, consistently accounting for 91.4% of total flows.

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

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