A Namibian cosmetics brand is gearing up to showcase its home-grown innovation on a global stage.
Namaloe Products, founded by Risto Ashikoto in 2019, was one of 20 Namibian firms selected to represent the country at the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo between 12 and 15 June in Changsha City, China.
The company, which has been operating under Risto Trading Enterprises CC, specialises in natural cosmetics and home care products from local materials such as aloe vera and Kalahari melon oil.
Ashikoto refers to the selection as a great milestone for his business and Namibia.
“To be selected to participate in the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo is a great milestone for us,” he says.
“It’s not an invitation – it’s a dream realisation of opening Namibian-produced products into international markets.”
Namaloe will be launching its pride product, Kalahari Melon Virgin Oil, at the expo.
The refined oil has already received attention, such as winning prizes at the 2023 Brics Youth Innovation Summit and obtaining a three-year offtake deal to supply 10 tonnes a month to a Chinese buyer.
“This is not just another product, Kalahari Melon Virgin Oil is Namibia’s natural gold for the skincare market. It possesses vast potential to drive rural development, support local industries, and foster national pride,” Ashikoto says.
Namaloe manufactures its products in Windhoek and Ondangwa, and is committed to uplifting youth and women through job creation and training.
The company predicts that by 2030, 60% of Namibians will be using locally produced oil, greatly lessening the country’s import dependence.
To help make that a reality, Ashikoto is looking for investment and partnership at the expo.
“We are planning to purchase five industrial oil pressing machines for different conservancies across Namibia,” he adds.
“This will decentralise production and open up opportunities to rural communities.”
Ashikoto credits the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board and the trade ministry for the success of Namaloe.
“Their support and guidance have been pivotal. We hope they continue to scale up more small and medium enterprises, because Namibia’s future depends on harnessing local ingenuity.”
From an investment of N$250 in 2020 to a global show in China, Ashikoto verifies that little dreams can be grown into large realities.
“I hope our story will inspire Namibians to believe in their ideas and be proud of what we have. Namibia has something the world needs.”
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