Ngongo Oil: Namibia's Natural Finest

Get Ngongo Oil from the local market in Rundu, Windhoek, Ongwediva, Divundu, and  Kavango. Amidst Namibia's vast savannas —sprawling Oka...

Get Ngongo Oil from the local market in Rundu, Windhoek, Ongwediva, Divundu, and  Kavango.

Amidst Namibia's vast savannas —sprawling Okavango delta, and rugged terrain of the Kalahari Desert lies an elixir of beauty and nourishment:  These fruits are known as Mongongo nuts, Manketti nuts, or ''Ngongo nuts'' which are colloquial names affectionately called in Namibia.

 

A woman cracking the Ngongo nuts.

The egg-shaped, and velvety fruits of the Ngongo tree ripen and fall between March and May each year. The tree, known scientifically as (Schinziophyton rautanenii), produces fruit with a hard exocarp that contains edible nuts. Inside these tough shells lies a rich, golden oil with a smooth texture and a high nutritional value oil—commonly referred to as "Ngongo Oil."

These tropical trees are native to Sub-Saharan Africa, thriving in countries such as Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. Ngongo Oil production is a tradition passed down through generations. The process involves carefully harvesting the fruits, breaking open the hard shells, and extracting the oil-rich nuts. This is followed by a pressing process to release the golden oil, which is then filtered and refined to create a high-quality product.

Ngongo Oil is not only valued for its culinary uses but also for its skincare properties, where it is often used as a natural moisturizer and healing agent. Its rich nutrient compositions, including essential fatty acids and antioxidants, make it a sought-after product in beauty and health care. 

This versatility has helped Ngongo Oil gain recognition beyond local markets, becoming a symbol of the cultural and economic potential that arises from respecting and preserving indigenous resources.

Ngongo Oil encapsulates the essence of Namibia's indigenous craftsmanship, which is meticulously crafted by the skilled hands of local artisans, Ngongo Oil stands as a testament to the rich heritage and abundant resources of our beloved land. 

Skin Care

In the tapestry of African culture, Ngongo/Mongongo Oil emerges as a timeless symbol of beauty and skincare. Its multifaceted uses in cuisine and cultural rituals underscore its significance as part of African heritage. Among African tribes, skincare is not merely a beauty regimen but a sacred ritual deeply rooted in tradition. Ngongo Oil holds a special place in these rituals, serving as a symbol of purity, virginity, and vitality.

African young women undergoing marriage initiations are often anointed with wonderful oil, believed to bestow not only physical beauty but also spiritually strengthening women. Ngongo/Mongongo's nourishing properties protect against the African sun, keeping skin supple, moisturized, and radiant amidst the harsh environment. The formula of making quality Ngongo oil has been passed down from generation to generation usually mothers to daughters, this age-old tradition highlights the intimate connection between nature, beauty, and African culture.

100% Pure Organic Mongongo Oil, a different version of Ngongo Oil.

For many generations, Namibia's indigenous tribes too—such as the Sans, Vambos, Himbas, Kavangos, and others—have revered Ngongo Oil as a sacred component for their skins' beauty and wellbeing. What distinguishes Ngongo Oil from other holistic products such as Eucalyptus oil is its rare, nutrient-rich kernels containing alpha-allosteric acid, and providing unparalleled protection, thus rendering it an invaluable asset for holistic medicines. The advantages of Ngongo Oil far surpass mere moisturization properties. 

With its rich content of Vitamin E, protein, zinc, magnesium, and antioxidant properties, this 100% natural oil represents a wealth of essential nutrients that combat free radicals, uphold skin elasticity, and thwart premature aging. Its exceptional absorbency makes it suitable for all skin types, while its quick absorption rejuvenates dry, brittle, and damaged hair. 

Rich in polyunsaturated fatty acid, Ngongo Oil offers unparalleled protection against UV damage, making it the best choice, especially in Namibia's arid environment. For millennia, Ngongo Oil has served as a protective shield for the San people who inhabit the heart of the Kalahari Desert, safeguarding them from the unforgiving hot weather. 

Sans have historically relied on a variety of natural resources found in their environment for sustenance, including Manketti nuts. The Sans eat these nuts raw and sometimes incorporate them into their daily meals or make a paste and mix it with water to make a nutritious beverage. They can also be roasted or cooked to enhance their flavor when served together with food.

Culinary Staple

Ngongo Oil's function is more than a skincare solution; it embodies a culinary heritage, enriching African diets with its luxurious and flavorful essence. Beyond its application in holistic medicine, cosmetics, and aesthetics, Ngongo Oil has proven itself as a culinary staple, gracing tables with its taste and aromatic presence.  

Whether delicately drizzled over freshly baked bread or infused into dishes like Mutete or spinach vegs, Ngongo Oil has woven itself into the fabric of African culinary tradition for centuries, infusing meals with depth delicious, and a touch of antique aroma. Its incorporation into our modern cuisine, where probably find it in the restaurants and used for Kapana not only enhances taste but also preserves and celebrates our cultural identity, connecting us to our past and nourishing both body and soul with each savory bite of the food.

Ngongo Oil is served on the food.

"We are now in a position to assist the government with cooking oil production for the drought relief program for human consumption and Animal feed from Ngongo and Sunflower “Cake”. said Muronga Isdor.'' ''This will significantly create massive income opportunities, especially for people in the two Kavango Regions and Zambezi Region where Ngongo/Manketti is found in abundance. It will also provide an opportunity for people to consume healthy cooking oil from their own natural resources'' Muronga added.

Local is Lekker

For every dollar you spend on Ngongo products, you are participating significantly in the reduction of poverty in Namibia. 60% of each dollar we receive is used to purchase raw materials. All raw materials produced for the Ngongo Oil are supplied by local rural women and youth. They collect the fruits and sell them to the producers.  Any penny spent on Ngongo products is directly injected into the community therefore boosting local economies. 

Ngongo Oil Startups

Ngongo Oil is a visionary venture spearheaded by Mr. Muronga Isdor, the esteemed co-founder and CEO of Undera Investment Group, a distinguished subsidiary of Undera Brands. With a bold investment of nearly N$3 million, Muronga embarked on a transformative journey to establish an innovative oil plant dedicated to harnessing the inherent potential of local resources.

Ngongo Oil production is a shining example of Namibia's entrepreneurial spirit and determination for business start-ups. Despite facing challenges such as loan rejections from financial institutions like the Development Bank of Namibia, Mr. Muronga and his team remain steadfast in their commitment to empowering Namibian production and promoting local economic development.

Undera Investment Group is pushing hard to produce Ngongo oil, sunflower oil, and animal feeds, which are all commercially catered. ''We’ve massively invested in innovative equipment to enable us to produce enough products for domestic and international markets.'' Our main objectives are employment creation through the value addition of our natural resources and sustainable development. Support the local products by purchasing Ngongo Oil which is available in the market.'' 

Together, let's celebrate the richness of Namibia's natural resources and pave the way for a brighter, more sustainable future.

To experience the natural beauty of Ngongo Oil and support local entrepreneurship, visit the local distributors at AMTA Rundu, Windhoek, Ongwediva, Divundu Hombe Supermarket, and Kavango OK Foods Supermarket. Tambula, an eCommerce platform, also brings you the best of what the local informal market has to offer. 

You can order Ngongo Oil online on Tambula or request directly from Mr. Muronga himself on WhatsApp +264814422818, priced affordably at N$35 for 750ml. "Value addition and commercialization of the country's natural resources should become a central focus of the economy. Let's leverage what is readily available to combat hunger, malnutrition, and poverty, while simultaneously creating more job opportunities in the country."

Muronga Isdor at Africa Big 7 Exhibition in Johannesburg, South Africa, marketing Ngongo oil.

As we continue to embrace the beauty and benefits of Ngongo Oil, let us support small-scale businesses and those trying to innovate. Namibia faces the challenges of industrialization and food self-sufficiency in the country, and projects like Ngongo Oil are one of the shining beacons of hope. With the potential to create much-needed jobs and contribute to economic development, local initiatives like Ngongo Oil deserve the support of both the government and private investors.

Amid a global movement towards sustainability and ethical consumption, Ngongo Oil stands as a future remarkable export of what Namibia has to offer the world. As we embrace the beauty of Ngongo Oil and the values it embodies, let us celebrate Namibia's rich heritage and support local initiatives that promote sustainability, empowerment, and community development. Together, we can harness the power of Ngongo Oil to create a brighter, more beautiful future for all.

As Team Namibia, I am passionate about our local products; therefore we're dedicated to empowering our community.  As we gear up to meet the demand for cooking oil in the drought relief program, we invite investors to support this project. With your little support, Namibia can boost production capacity, and create much-needed jobs.