The Namibian Ports Authority (Namport) has rejected a GHS 4 billion proposal from Ghanaian businessman Jory Adu-Boahene and his company, Alpha Nautical Services Limited (Anol). This proposal aimed to develop an oil and gas supply base at the Port of Lüderitz. Namport stated that Anol failed to meet the necessary financial, technical, and operational requirements for the project.
The proposed GHS 4 billion project was intended to support Namibia’s growing offshore oil and gas sector. It involved expanding the Port of Lüderitz to create a crucial supply base. Namport found that Anol did not demonstrate the capacity to design, build, own, operate, and transfer such a facility. This rejection follows an assessment of documents submitted by Anol.
This development has broader implications for Ghana’s private sector engagement in regional infrastructure projects. Ghanaian businesses are increasingly seeking opportunities across Africa, particularly in the energy and logistics sectors. This rejection highlights the stringent requirements and competitive landscape for major infrastructure investments. It also underscores the importance of robust financial backing and proven technical expertise for such ventures.
Namport Chief Executive Andrew Kanime confirmed the rejection in a letter dated May 13 to relevant Namibian ministers. Kanime stated that Anol failed to demonstrate sufficient financial capacity, technical expertise, delivery capability, and operational experience. He emphasized that a simple letter of intent was not enough to prove access to the required funding. Anol should have provided details on its funding model, including equity contributions and committed financiers.
This decision is expected to pave the way for an open competitive process to select a developer for the strategic project. This means other companies, potentially including Ghanaian firms, will have an opportunity to bid. Decision-makers in Namibia will now focus on attracting proposals that clearly meet all technical and financial criteria. This will ensure the critical infrastructure project proceeds with a capable partner.
Anol, however, has rejected Namport’s findings. Jory Adu-Boahene stated that his company possesses the financial, technical, and operational capacity to deliver the project. He expressed surprise at Namport’s position, especially given Anol’s efforts to prioritize local content and Namibian ownership. Adu-Boahene noted that Anol established a Namibian entity to comply with local laws. He also claimed Namport recently awarded a similar project to a 100% foreign entity, raising questions about consistency.
The project was a partnership between the Namibia Industrial Development Agency (Nida) and Namport. The Namibian Cabinet tasked these two state-owned entities in 2025 to find a development partner for 25 years. Anol and Nida had a general cooperation agreement signed on June 11, 2024, which expired last month. Acting Chief Executive Phillip Namundjebo informed ministries on June 17 that no board resolution existed to extend this agreement.
Namport also questioned Anol’s experience in the oil and gas industry. The authority stated that Anol, as a legal entity, has no verifiable operating experience or track record in oil and gas supply base management. The company was incorporated in August 2020 and does not own or manage a supply base. Namport argued that the experience of Anol’s shareholders cannot substitute for the company’s own track record. Adu-Boahene countered that Anol is owned and supported by sponsors with a combined balance sheet exceeding US$50 billion. He asserted that Anol initiated the project and invested significant capital in its technical and design foundations.