By: Loise Shiimi
Frans Langa Shivute is an entrepreneur who made the decision to venture into agro-processing during the Covid-19 pandemic. Fast forward to 2025, he is set to produce 5,000 peanut jars this month.
Through research and online videos, he was able to establish his dream processing business, launching his peanut butter product in November this year and producing 5,000 jars within just one month.
Shivute shared with Eagle FM that the Covid-19 lockdown inspired him to explore agro-processing, particularly because Namibia imports peanut butter despite being able to produce it domestically.
“During the Covid-19 pandemic, I conducted research on how to enter the agro-processing sector and realised the potential benefits. I discovered that Namibia imports peanut butter, so I thought it would be good to cut imports by producing it locally. My wife used our savings to order processing machines from China, specifically designed for peanut butter production,” he explained.
Shivute mentioned that it took two years for the equipment to arrive in Namibia. During the waiting period, he also received training on how to operate the machinery, in turn making the process easier for his transition to the sector. He acknowledged that achieving his dream was not without challenges, crediting his wife for her support and encouragement throughout. .
Shivute uses redskin peanuts, the only variety cultivated in Namibia. He shared that his peanut butter requires minimal ingredients, consisting solely of peanuts. “We don’t add cooking oil or salt because peanuts naturally contain oil,” he pointed out.
Before launching his product to the market, he distributed samples to neighbours and family for honest feedback, which was positive and encouraged him to move forward.
“We offer four flavours, two of which contain sugar while the other two are sugar-free. This variety ensures inclusivity for individuals with different dietary needs, such as those with diabetes or high blood pressure. So far, our products are performing well, and we sell them nationwide,” he stated.
On value addition, Shivute believes that farmers should not bear the sole responsibility for adding value to their products. Instead, he encourages others to source from farmers and engage in value addition and reselling.
He urges subsistence farmers to incorporate peanut crops into their fields, suggesting they have similar characteristics to groundnuts.
“We use approximately 8 tons of peanuts each month to meet customer demand, which totals around 100 tons annually. However, we can only achieve this if our farmers collaborate to increase peanut production,” he said.
To date, Shivute employs four permanent workers in his factory, stating that this is only the beginning.
“If Namibia supports us well and business continues to thrive, we project to employ 20 individuals, thus providing job opportunities for unemployed citizens,” he added.
Shivute also pointed out the benefits of sourcing from local producers, comparing it to imported products that can take years to reach shelves.
“For instance, when importing peanut butter, it may sit in warehouses for extended periods before being sold. In contrast, local products can be market-ready in a much shorter timeframe. We must seize this opportunity to add value and produce our own goods,” he indicated.
Shivute mentioned that many stores have long-standing agreements with their suppliers, making it challenging for new producers to gain trust.
“We understand this challenge and are committed to establishing our presence over time. I encourage the government to intervene, as the requirements for new producers to have their products on shelves can be overwhelming. I believe this is an area that can be improved,” he added.
In closing, he encouraged young people to seize any opportunity to create an income and start their entrepreneurial journeys.
