CIF Infrastructure Development Forum 2025: Building the Future Together
Strategic Dialogue in Lüderitz Sets the Stage for ||Kharas Development
From 14–16 October 2025, the historic Old Power Station Conference Centre in Lüderitz came alive with energy, ideas, and collaboration as the Construction Industries Federation of Namibia (CIF Namibia) hosted its Infrastructure Development Forum 2025. The three-day event brought together government leaders, industry experts, and private sector stakeholders for an engaging and forward-looking dialogue.
Under the theme “A Strategic Look at the Infrastructure Pipeline: Opportunities in Lüderitz and the ||Kharas Region,” the forum went beyond discussion, focusing on actionable pathways for sustainable regional growth, SME development, and strategic investments.
Key Highlights
Green Energy & Global Insights
Ms. Eline van der Linden shared valuable updates on the Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme, while energy readiness presentations from Nampower (Mr. Fritz Jacobs) and BW Energy (Mr. Klaus Endresen) highlighted Lüderitz’s readiness to become a global player in sustainable energy.
Urban and Port Development
Mr. Jonas Mahalelo presented the Lüderitz Urban Development Plan, complemented by Mr. Immanuel Hango (Namport), who outlined how port infrastructure will support key regional projects and stimulate economic growth.
Foundational Strength
Operational stability and infrastructure readiness were emphasised by Namwater (Mr. Saltiël Shaanika) and the Namibia Airports Company (Mr. Fabianus Sindimba), along with logistics support from Alistair Group and Total Energies for the emerging Oil & Gas sector.
Empowering Local Talent
The forum focused strongly on local content, SME participation, and financing mechanisms. Representatives from DBN (Mrs. Cliftoline Nauses, Mr. Nelson Simasiku), FNB (Mr. Jason Prior), and Standard Bank Namibia (Ms. Emilia Uupindi) shared essential development tools. Procurement best practices were also discussed, featuring insights from Mr. Patrick Swartz, RFP Quantity Surveyors (Mr. Richard Frankle), and Ms. Naomi Kefas (CIF EXCO SME Representative).
MS Bärbel Kirchner, CEO of CIF Namibia and Honourable Dawid Gertze, Governor of the //Kharas Region
A Word from Hon. Fluksman Samuehl, CEO, Lüderitz Waterfront Development Company
"A special thanks to Bärbel Kirchner, CEO of CIF, for her exceptional leadership in making this forum a success. It has been three days of intensive learning and meaningful engagement with key stakeholders in the construction industry. We gained valuable insight into projects planned for the ||Karas Region, particularly around Lüderitz and the harbour, and are now in a stronger position to move forward. The event was exceptionally well attended, bringing together major corporations and SMEs. The warm reception and strong participation reaffirm Lüderitz as an important destination for business events and conferences. This is just one of many such events, and we look forward to welcoming even more in the future."
Collaborative Success
As a proud sponsor, the Lüderitz Waterfront Development Company (Pty) Ltd. thanks CIF Namibia for their outstanding organisation and the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) for strategic support. We also appreciate the contributions of fellow sponsors, including Standard Bank, FNB, NWBC, Fly Namibia, Africa Personnel Services, Pupkewitz MegaBuild, Namport, NEO Paints, Ohorongo Cement, NEC Energy, Dynamic Concrete Solutions, WINDHOEK HIRE, Peralin Paints, ACCESS, MULTI-TOW, and Global Progressive Synergy.
The forum’s success highlights the power of collaboration, vision, and strategic planning in unlocking Lüderitz’s and the ||Kharas Region’s economic potential.
