The Namibian chemicals and related industries are fairly limited,
traditionally relying on the chemical industry, the lubricants industry and the
oil industry of neighbouring South Africa for its needs in these areas. A
cement plant, with a capacity of 200 000 tons, began operating in 1991 and
offered a boost to the growing construction industry. The subsequent recession,
however, dampened the expansion of this sector and in 1999 the African Portland
Industrial Holdings’ cement factory stopped production due to pollution
risks to the lives of workers and residents in the area. Namibia has few, if
any, chemical exports and very little downstream oil industry activity other
than marketing.
