Ignite Namibia unveils granite pencil and local bottled water
Both products were commissioned by Ignite Namibia and launched at a breakfast event in Windhoek on Wednesday.
Ignite Namibia launched two locally developed products on Wednesday: a pencil made from granite and wood sourced in Otjiwarongo, and locally purified bottled water. The launch took place at a breakfast event at the NUST Hotel School in Windhoek.
The pencil was developed by John Namupala, a creative from the College of the Arts. Deputy minister of information and communication technology Wenzel Kavaka, who gave the keynote address, welcomed the products and said they could create value chains, business opportunities and employment. Ignite Namibia co-directors Venessa Auchas and Armas Shivute Armas attended the launch.
With further investment in production equipment, finishing and packaging, the pencil could grow into a stationery and corporate merchandise business. The bottled water enters a market where established brands already have distribution networks in supermarkets and hotels.
Why it mattersNamibian suppliers and buyers of stationery and bottled water now face new local competitors, and the products must move from innovation to consistent commercial production to reach shelves.