Speakers -Biomass Industry Conference

Presentation topic: Technology Lead at Space4Good  

Meet the presenter: Ms. Lisa Broekhuizen – Technology lead at Space4Good 

Before Lisa Broekhuizen joined Space4Good, she founded her own startup, predicting forest pest outbreaks to support forest management. She holds two master degrees from Wageningen University, one in Forest and Nature Conservation and one in Geo Information Sciences and Remote Sensing. By combining these in her current role as technical lead in Space4Good to achieve impact she truly found her passion. 

Presentation topic:  Review and Consolidation of Namibia’s Bush Thickening Maps 

Meet the presenter: Dr. Cornelis van der Waal – Director, Agri-Ecological Services 

Cornelis van der Waal is an independent ecologist active in the fields of rangeland management, restoration and biodiversity assessments. He founded Agri-Ecological Services in 2010 and since then participated in several rangeland-related projects, including the evaluation of large rangeland intervention projects, establishing the Rangeland Early Warning System and updating the carrying capacity and Agro-Ecological Zone maps of Namibia. He received a PhD in Resource Ecology and holds degrees in pasture and grassland sciences (BSc and MSc) and wildlife management (BSc Honours). Cornelis and his family live in the Omaruru area.

Presentation topic: Review of Emerging Carbon and Biodiversity Market Opportunities for Namibia 

Meet the presenter: Ms. Daisy Nielsen – Expert, Perivoli Rangeland Institute 

Daisy Nielsen has been working for the Perivoli Rangeland Institute (PRI), an organisation committed to developing a science-based, farmer-centric, not-for-profit platform for large-scale land restoration in Namibia and across Sub-Saharan Africa, since September 2023. Academically, she has a Bachelor’s of Art in International Relations and Politics and a Master’s of Science in Sustainable Development from the University of St Andrews in Scotland. Prior, Daisy spent several years living in Abuja, Nigeria. She currently is undertaking a PhD at the University of Namibia in Geography and her research focusses on equitable transitions to agroecological systems amongst smallholder farmers in Malawi. Since joining PRI, Daisy has been assessing carbon and biodiversity market developments and opportunities in Namibia. She reviews crediting methodologies and systems of credit registration and sales. PRI’s project specifically focusses on converting excess encroacher species using research-led restorative techniques into biochar, a carbon-rich resource with numerous environmental and socio-economic co-benefit 

Presentation topic: NBL Brews a Better World with Green Energy 

Meet the presenter: Mr. Franklin Angermund – Sustainability Manager 

Franklin has a decade of advertising experience and served as a Growth Manager for a few years in the professional services industry. He holds a degree in Advertising from UNAM, a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management from MANCOSA, a programme certificate in Corporate Sustainability Management from the Yale School of Management and is also a Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Certified Sustainability Professional. He’s expertise lies in creating synergies between the implementation of business strategies with sustainability practices that leads to brewing a better world!  

Presentation topic: International speaker – Otjiwarongo Municipality Waste to Energy Project. 

Meet the presenter: Ms. Reka Soos – climate change mitigation expert 

Ms. Reka Soos has more than 20 years of international experience in project development and implementation in the fields of climate change, waste management and sustainable energy. Reka has significant experience, acting as climate change mitigation expert on various projects working for the EBRD, EU and GIZ.  She has worked on the cusp of waste and climate starting with 2006.  She is currently a team leader for a technical assistance project for identifying sustainable solutions for bush encroachment value chains and for waste to energy in Otjiwarongo, Namibia, financed by the Climate City Gap Fund. She was a lead expert responsible for the programmatic approach, developing a concept note for the South African Waste Flagship Program submitted to the Green Climate Fund (GCF).  She is also an author of numerous publications. Among others, she is the lead author for the Technical Paper (UNFCCC 2018) “Mitigation benefits and co-benefits of policies, practices and actions for enhancing mitigation ambition: Implementation of circular economies with a focus on waste-to energy technologies, industrial waste reuse and prevention solutions

Presentation topic: International speaker – Biomass logistics and Business Model in the port, Case of Port of Amsterdam, Netherlands 

Meet the presenter: Ms. Anna-Marise Rocha – Commercial Manager Circular Industries, Port of Amsterdam 

Presentation topic:Biomass to Electricity, 40MW NamPower Otjikoto Biomass Project 

Meet the presenter: Mr Titus Haihambo – Project Engineer: Biomass Power Project 

Mr Haihambo holds a Master’s in Engineering (Project Management) and a Bachelor in Engineering (Electrical) with 9 years of experience in the Electricity Supply Industry 9 years working experience in the Electricity Supply Industry. Mr Haihambo works at the NamPower Transmission department overseeing project implementation of substations and powerlines. Over a year at NamPower Generation Capital Projects, overseeing the EPC Contract of the Biomass Power Project.   

 

Meet the presenter: Ms Iyaloo Kavambi – Generation -Capital Projects, Namibian Power Utility (NamPower) 

Iyaloo Kavambi is proficient in strategizing and executing successful Loan and Grant funding. Currently serving in the renewable energy division, with a specific focus on generation capital projects within Nampower. She has a keen interest in sustainability environmental, social and governance ESG, in addition to commercial and finance and project management.  Iyaloo has 9 years of work experience in the Electricity Supply Industry An alumnus of the University of Pretoria, University of Stellenbosch, and the University of the Witwatersrand, she is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Leadership Management specializing in Renewable energy 

Presentation topic: SteamBioAfrica 

Meet the presenter: Mr. Colin Lindeque – Managing Director of Carbon Capital  

Mr. Colin Lindeque is the Managing Director of Carbon Capital. Colin is a trained biotechnologist and bioentrepreneur who has over 7 years of experience within the local biomass industry. He helped establish and manage the Namibia Biomass industry Group, prior to founding Carbon Capital in 2020. Carbon Capital is a local project development and capital raising company focussed on capitalising on local and regional opportunities within the up-and-coming bioeconomy. Since its establishment, Carbon Capital has developed and operationalised the largest and most sophisticated charcoal production project in Namibia. Colin also helped instigate the SteamBioAfrica project, a European Union grant funded project commercialising novel bioprocessing technology. Carbon Capital are also currently in development of biochar, carbon credit, wood pellet, and synthetic fuel projects.”  

Presentation topic: Latest biomass processing equipment and techniques available to process encroacher bush as part of the Namibian Biomass value chain 

Meet the presenter: Mr. Willem van der Merwe, founder and CEO of Africa Biomass Company (South Africa)

Willem van der Merwe, founder and CEO of Africa Biomass Company, and 2017’s Sanlam and Business Partners, Entrepreneur of the Year, grew up in the Koue Bokkeveld, Western Cape, South Africa, on their family farm.  He studied at Elsenburg Agriculture College, Stellenbosch, where he was awarded the Farmers Weekly Best Practical Student for 1999.

In 2004 he bought a small specialized tree felling company and used wood chippers to enhance the productivity of his operations. Over time his services and equipment were used in agriculture, river rehabilitation projects, and lately also forestry, with a focus on biomass to energy and under canopy mulching. ABC expanded to such an extent that they now have 9 processing teams using the latest biomass processing equipment and techniques available to process plantation residue, alien invasive trees, and encroacher bush.

Presentation topic: Innovative methods of making charcoal greener 

Meet the presenter: Mr. Ralf Dedig – Makarra Bush Products 

Born in Otjiwarongo on 29 December 1997, Ralf grew up on a farm about 100 km north of Otjiwarongo. His father was a cattle farmer, and his mother was a teacher. His passion for nature and all things natural started very early in life as he spent all his free time in the garden or in the field. They moved to Otjiwarongo when he was five years old. 

After school he attended NIMT in Arandis as an electrician and completed his apprenticeship in Otjiwarongo, but soon switched to Millwright a year later and then went to Potchefstroom in South Africa to continue his studies. Shortly before COVID-19 hit Namibia, he came back to Namibia and completed his apprenticeship in Windhoek. After his apprenticeship he moved back to Otjiwarongo to start his own business known as Tazu Industries. Through his work he was introduced to Makarra Bush Products cc where he was responsible for the electrical maintenance and construction. After about 3 years Mr Michael von Hacht approached him to become a business partner to start the production of wood vinegar. He intensified his research on wood vinegar and was able to start the testing phase within a short period of time. From the start he focused on the purity and consistency of the product. For about 7 months he tested the effects of different processing and storage methods and their effects on the product. Samples of the Wood vinegar was sent to the University of Stellenbosch for technical analysis – he was then able to use this information to remove undesirable content and further optimised the product. Starting his own garden to test the products was a must for Ralf. He strategically selected crops that are widely used and cultivated in Namibia. The aim of this garden was not to produce food but rather to test the effects of Wood Vinegar on the crops, often pushing the boundaries of what a plant can endure. He had some losses, but the information gathered was indispensable. Diving deeper and deeper into the chemical analysis and composition of the wood vinegar he was soon able to optimise the ratios for both plants and soil dwelling lifeforms. Ralf spent many hours researching international test reports and research papers to replicate the tests.  

Confident and ready for the markets through many months of research and testing, the business partners of Ralf founded Makarra Wood Vinegar cc and have since focused on Quality, Integrity and Service which many of the clients have grown to love.  

Presentation topic: Introduction to Atmosfair -Developing renewable energy and climate protection initiatives across Africa 

Meet the presenter: Gideon van den Berg – Project Analyst  

Gideon van den Berg is a project analyst at atmosfair, specializing in developing renewable energy and climate protection initiatives across Africa. He is dedicated to identifying and implementing these initiatives by collaborating with private sector companies, financial actors, NGOs, academia, and governments on strategic climate mitigation projects. Prior to atmosfair, Gideon worked at ESADE Business and Law School, where he managed an EU consortium studying the socioeconomic impacts of ATTRACT—an EU initiative connecting research and industry to develop advanced detection and imaging technologies. Gideon holds an MSc in Zoology from the University of Pretoria and a BSc in Biodiversity and Ecology from Stellenbosch University. Leveraging his scientific and managerial experience, Gideon is committed to sustainable development and creating a more resilient future for some of the world’s most climate-vulnerable regions. Presentation topic: Otjiwarongo waste to energy project 

Presentation topic: Empowering local communities through natural resource use – a case for community-driven biochar projects 

Meet the presenter: Leon-David Viljoen – Product and market development  

Leon Viljoen to date is active in the African development market. Withmore than 30 years’ experience, he has worked with several segments relating to natural resource development, resource protection and conservation.  He joined the South African Department of Foreign Affairs as a career diplomat and completed his two-year MBA based additional training program prior to postings to Singapore, Malawi and the United Nations where he served on the Commission for Sustainable Development’s Rio +10 program.  As a conservationist and development manager, his focus is on ensuring sufficient benefit and balance between resource use, community benefit and resource protection.  

Presentation topic: Enabling climate-friendly de-bushing for farmers: pros and cons of direct carbon credit revenues vs biomass supply models 

Meet the presenter: Mr. Eck Volkmann, Biochar Manager 

Eck grew up in the Otavi Mountains before studying for a degree in International Agricultural Sciences abroad. He worked in development cooperation for the German Government in agricultural commodity trade, export promotion in African, Caribbean, and Pacific states vis-à-vis the EU, peace and security, and operational country programs in Africa and the Middle East. He then co-founded a peacebuilding organization, based in Geneva. After handing over his responsibilities as General Manager of that organization he auto-didactically studied the field of Carbon Capture and Storage with a focus on biochar production and application for small-holders in Kenya (2019 – 2023). Eck returned to Namibia in 2023 and joined PyroNam as their Biochar Manager. 

Presentation topic: Financing Biomass Value Chains

Meet the presenter Mr. Gerhard Mukuahima – Head of Agri Finance, Standard Bank Namibia 

Gerhard Mukuahima, Head of Agribusiness & Public Sector at Standard Bank, is an experienced banker with a strong background in negotiation, analytical skills, agribusiness financing, and commercial banking. He holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Nicosia and a Master’s degree in Agriculture: Production Management from the University of Pretoria. Additionally, he completed a Certificate in Digital Disruption from the University of Cambridge in 2023, which has enhanced his strategic approach to integrating digital solutions in agribusiness financing. Gerhard’s educational foundation is further strengthened by a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science: Agriculture from the University of Namibia.

In his role at Standard Bank, Gerhard oversees agribusiness initiatives, providing tailored financial solutions to support agricultural enterprises. He collaborates with industry stakeholders, policymakers, and clients to develop innovative financing strategies that address the unique challenges within the agribusiness sector. His leadership has been instrumental in positioning Standard Bank as a key player in agribusiness financing, driving growth and sustainability.

Presentation topic: Financing Biomass Value Chains

Meet the presenter Ms. Hildegardt Martin – Sales Executive, Agriculture Bank of Namibia (AgriBank) 

Hildegardt Martin-Kangandjera is a corporate leader whose entry into the lending realm officially launched eight years ago premised on inclusivity in access to financial services for middle to low-income households. Martin-Kangandjera is the Executive: Sales at Agribank, Namibia’s Agricultural Bank with a key mandate of enabling development in the Agricultural sector, nurturing agri-business across the agricultural value chain and catalysing the advancement of small-scale farmers through numerous instruments; serving the Nation for numerous decades through its eight strategically positioned branches across the Nation. Agribank enhanced its value proposition to include Biomass specific financing to further unlock potential for the Namibian economy, environment and social well-being; all with affordability as the key building block.

Martin-Kangandjera holds a MSc. In specialised Economic Analysis: International Trade, Finance and Development (Barcelona Graduate School of Economics) and is currently a Doctor of Business Administration Scholar. Before joining Agribank, Martin-Kangandjera served in numerous roles within the Microlending landscape, including being part of the team that fast tracked the expansion of Old Mutual Finance as we as driving the Industrialisation Agenda of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) under the German Development Cooperation (GIZ)- Botswana umbrella. Having been an active role player in development of the agro-processing value chain at the National and SADC Region level, Martin-Kangandjera strongly believes great strides towards accelerated agricultural value addition can be made with drive from the private sector, equipping small-scale farmers for impactful participation as well as robustly enabling market and regulatory dynamics from a value chain bolstering standpoint.

Presentation topic: Financing Biomass Value Chains

Meet the presenter Mr. Tshoombe Ndadi – Chairman Konga Microfinance (Pty) Ltd 

Tshoombe Justice Ndadi ― Konga Microfinance Chairman; is a Namibian social entrepreneur and astute corporate leader, whose entry into the Namibian financial landscape 19 years ago, was driven by the urgent need to provide access to affordable finance by the many (low-income) off-grid rural households wishing to acquire basic solar energy solutions to light up their homes as they had no hope of being connected to the National electricity grid for many years to come.  Ndadi is the founder Executive Chairman of Konga Microfinance (Pty) Ltd., Namibia’s only development microfinance institution that has been providing productive credit to the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises sector, including agribusinesses, driving the financial inclusion agenda of the financially excluded and underserved low-income communities in Namibia since 2010.  

Before launching Konga Microfinance in 2010, Ndadi has served in numerous executive lead capacities within the printing and publishing industry, including the publishing of the Telecom Namibia Directory and Yellow Pages for seven years, as well as that of Botswana Telecom for two years; served as project leader for Government Diamond Valuation (GDV) between 2004 – 2009 and presiding as lead Fund Manager over the Solar Revolving Fund on behalf of the Ministry of Mines and Energy during the same period.  As a proponent for development at grass roots level through innovative solutions, Ndadi strongly believes that impactful development can only be brought about through the formation of solid and functional partnerships between public and private sector institutions with the correct mix of skills and expertise in their respective sphere of businesses.