African Aquaculture Company (AAC) has announced a series of leadership appointments and a strategic partnership with the Namibia Industrial Development Agency (NIDA) as it advances plans to develop offshore salmon farming operations in the Benguela Current off the coast of Namibia.
The company confirmed the election of aquaculture executive Per-Roar Gjerde to its board of directors, a move aimed at strengthening technical expertise as AAC prepares for the operational and development phases of its proposed salmon farming project.
Gjerde brings more than 25 years of experience in the global aquaculture sector, including senior roles at Mowi ASA, formerly Marine Harvest, where he served as Director of Global Farming Operations and oversaw production across Chile, Canada, Scotland and Norway.
AAC said his experience in large-scale farming operations and international market development is expected to support the company’s expansion into emerging salmon markets.
AAC Chairperson Tom Eng said the appointment aligns with the company’s growth strategy and sustainability objectives.
“Per-Roar Gjerde’s global leadership and hands-on farming expertise will accelerate our sustainable growth in African aquaculture. His philosophy of prioritising people, product, and understanding all aspects of the operation perfectly fits our vision,” Eng said.
The company also announced the appointment of Robert Sandslett as Chief Operating Officer in Namibia, where he will lead operational development of AAC’s planned salmon farming activities near Lüderitz. Sandslett has more than three decades of experience in aquaculture, including senior roles in Norway and North America covering sea-based production, fish health and operational performance.
Eng said Sandslett’s experience would be critical as the company moves towards operational readiness.
“Robert brings a rare combination of hands-on farming leadership, fish health expertise and large-scale operational management from both Norway and North America. His track record of improving key production metrics and building strong operational teams will be invaluable as we advance Namibia’s salmon farming potential,” Eng said.
In addition to the leadership appointments, AAC confirmed it has signed Heads of Agreement with NIDA and Namibia Atlantic Salmon Holding (NASH) for a substantial double-digit euro investment, marking a further milestone in the development of the proposed industry.
The agreement forms part of broader efforts to establish an Atlantic salmon aquaculture sector in Namibia, with AAC and NIDA set to host a seminar in Windhoek aimed at bringing together government representatives, industry stakeholders and international investors to discuss opportunities linked to the project.
AAC said the initiative seeks to combine Norwegian aquaculture expertise with local partnerships to develop a sustainable aquaculture industry focused on environmental stewardship, job creation and long-term food security in Namibia.
