NamSnails: Namibia’s Climate-Controlled Leap into the Global Snail Market

In the heart of Swakopmund, a quiet revolution is underway—NamSnails, Africa’s first fully climate-controlled snail farm, is turning heads in the global agri-export sector. With our eyes firmly set on the European Union and South African markets, we are redefining snail farming in Namibia and positioning the country as a new player in the niche but growing industry of premium snail export.

🌍 Certification to Go Global

NamSnails is working towards obtaining certification from Namibia’s Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS)—a crucial step for any agri-export business. This certification will formally recognizes the farm as an approved export entity, setting the stage for the next big move: obtaining an EU import number.

🐌 Farming Snails the Smart Way

At Namsnails, we have overcome the traditional environmental limitations that comes with wild harvesting methodes. These limitations include seasonal hibernation, unpredictable weather and predators. We have overcome these possible problems with our fully climate-controlled farming system.

Located on a 25,000-square-metre site, the facility can regulate wind, humidity, and temperature across its 5,000-square-metre farming units, ensuring year-round productivity. The farm specializes in Aspersa Maxima and Aspersa Müller, two high-value species favored in gourmet markets.

📈 Scaling Up and Creating Jobs

Operating at 60% capacity, NamSnails has already begun its first harvesting season, which kicked off in July, and aims to reach a production rate of 1,000 kilograms of snails per day. With the climate-controlled setup eliminating seasonality as a constraint, harvesting can now occur continuously, allowing for consistent output and supply.

The company currently employs over 50 people in Swakopmund and plans to grow its workforce as it scales up to 100% production capacity by the end of 2026.

🌱 What’s Next?

NamSnails prepares for EU market entry, which is a pivotal step towards broader global recognition. The company's strategic approach—grounded in technology, sustainability, and job creation—sets a new standard not only for snail farming in Africa but for innovative agriculture in general.