OL Leisure has completed the N$260 million redevelopment of Mokuti Etosha as the hospitality group continues to bet heavily on the recovery and long-term growth of Namibia’s tourism sector.
The redevelopment, which began in 2022, transformed the lodge into a premium tourism destination featuring renovated guest rooms, new restaurants, upgraded public spaces, the Ombala Presidential Suite and the elevated SkyBoma dining experience.
The investment has increased Mokuti Etosha’s permanent workforce from 120 to 136 employees, with a further 13 fixed-term positions expected to be created during the current financial year.
According to OL Leisure, the redevelopment also created 115 construction jobs, of which 111 were filled by Namibians, while approximately 15 local suppliers benefited from the project.
The investment comes after OL Leisure expanded its hospitality portfolio last year through the acquisition of Le Mirage Resort & Spa in the Sossusvlei area and Divava Okavango Resort & Spa on the Kavango River.
Prime Minister Dr Elijah Ngurare officially marked the completion of the project on Thursday evening by unveiling a commemorative plaque at the lodge’s new SkyBoma on behalf of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.
OL Group Executive Chairman Sven Thieme said the investment reflects the group’s long-term confidence in Namibia’s tourism sector despite the challenges the industry faced following the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The total investment in Mokuti is one of OL Leisure’s clearest statements of our belief in the future of Namibian tourism. We made this commitment in the aftermath of a global pandemic that devastated the hospitality industry. We made it because we take a long view and because this is our home. We made it because we believe, with every conviction at our disposal, that Namibia is a premier global destination and that premier destinations deserve world-class products. Mokuti is that product,” he said.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of President Nandi-Ndaitwah, Ngurare praised the investment, saying it demonstrates confidence in Namibia’s tourism industry.
“Thank you for choosing to build here, invest here and stay here. We see your work and we are grateful for it,” he said.
Ngurare said tourism contributes approximately 6.9% to Namibia’s gross domestic product, generating around N$14.3 billion in economic activity and supporting more than 57,000 direct jobs.
“These are livelihoods, businesses and communities that depend on a thriving tourism sector,” he said.
While Namibia recorded a strong recovery in tourist arrivals in 2024, Ngurare noted that arrivals declined in 2025, underscoring the need for continued investment to keep the country competitive.
“Tourism cannot be taken for granted. It requires continuous investment, effective marketing, quality service and supportive policy to remain competitive,” he said.
He described the completed redevelopment as an example of the standard required to position Namibia as a leading tourism destination.
“What I see here tonight is what Namibian investment in Namibian tourism can look like at its very best,” Ngurare said.
The redevelopment included the reconstruction of the main lodge building, kitchen and supporting infrastructure, together with upgraded reception facilities, restaurants, swimming pools and guest accommodation.
Mokuti Etosha forms part of OL Leisure’s portfolio of six hospitality properties across Namibia.
