The wind roars off the Atlantic, carrying the scent of saltwater and the promise of new beginnings. For Metusalem Uushona, who hails from the small Namibian town of Okahao, the sea is more than water; it’s a calling that shaped his entrepreneurial journey. However, his path to success was filled with challenges, sacrifices, and moments of serendipity that led him to his destiny.
The Early Chapters
Born and raised in Okahao, Metusalem had no idea that the call of the ocean would become a central theme in his life. Yet, even in the heart of Namibia’s arid landscape, he had an inherent fascination with ships.
“Growing up in Okahao, I never imagined I would one day be working on the ocean,” Metusalem shares.
But his childhood intrigue would one day drive him to found Coastal Marine Investments (CMI), a company now recognized as one of the premier maritime service providers in the country.
Metusalem’s journey began in 2009 when, working at a ship’s dry dock in Cape Town, South Africa, he got his first taste of the maritime industry.
“It was there that the seed of founding a marine engineering company first germinated,” he says.
However, it wasn’t until his return to Namibia in 2010 that the idea began to take shape. In Luderitz, as part of a team responsible for the repair of a vessel, Metusalem had a serendipitous encounter that would forever change his career. He met a distinguished Spanish Marine Architect enlisted to work on the vessel’s keel and hull repairs.
“In the quiet moments before work each day, we would engage in discussions about ship repairs and marine engineering,” he recalls. “His insights proved invaluable. I thank him for that. He truly enriched my knowledge base.”
The Birth of Coastal Marine Investments (CMI)
It was in those quiet, reflective moments of mentorship that Metusalem realized his potential not only as a marine engineer but as an entrepreneur. “I attribute the realization of this entrepreneurial journey to the guidance and protection bestowed upon me by the divine,” he says with a smile, speaking to the spiritual journey that has shaped his life and work.
His educational background in marine engineering had provided the necessary foundation, making the leap to entrepreneurship feel almost natural. “I had been surrounded by the maritime industry for years,” he explains. “I knew ships inside and out, and everything about the industry felt like home to me.”
Armed with his expertise and a newfound sense of purpose, Metusalem founded Coastal Marine Investments (CMI), a proudly Namibian-owned small to medium enterprise headquartered in Walvis Bay. “The maritime sector in Namibia had so much untapped potential,” he explains. “I saw an opportunity to fill a gap in supplying marine components—specifically marine tank air vent heads and valves. That’s the gap I was determined to fill.”
The company’s focus quickly expanded to include marine engineering, consultancy, manufacturing, and surveying services.
In Walvis Bay, CMI became a driving force behind the country’s maritime industry. With just a handful of dedicated employees—three women and five men—Metusalem and his team began to carve out a niche for themselves in a highly specialized market. The work was far from easy, but Metusalem’s deep knowledge of ship repairs and his firm belief in offering tailored, client-focused solutions proved to be a winning combination.
“At CMI, we understand that every client and project is unique,” he says. “We take a personalized approach to each engagement. We listen first, then offer solutions that are in line with their specific requirements and goals.”
Through his efforts, CMI became a trusted partner for many shipping companies, port authorities, and offshore operators, allowing the business to thrive. But as any entrepreneur will tell you, success is not without its obstacles. For Metusalem, the most significant challenge came with the global Covid-19 pandemic.
“We were forced to close our shop for almost six months,” he recalls. “No sales, no services—nothing. That was a tough moment for us.” The company’s survival during this dark time was only possible through offering consultancy services. “We pivoted to offering consultancy during the lockdown. It wasn’t easy, but it kept us afloat,” he admits. “In those tough times, I learned that resilience and creativity are the keys to overcoming challenges.”
Reflections and Insights
Despite the hardships, Metusalem learned valuable lessons during this time that have shaped his business philosophy today. “One key lesson I learned is the power of self-compassion,” he reflects. “You need to show yourself some grace in difficult times. It’s easy to be hard on yourself, but resilience isn’t about being perfect—it’s about pushing through and staying true to your purpose.” This resilience, paired with his unwavering dedication to his team and clients, has made Metusalem’s journey a truly inspiring one.
CMI’s journey is also one of innovation and forward-thinking. Metusalem is excited about the company’s plans to manufacture marine tank air vent heads and valves, a project set to launch in 2026. “We’ve already developed a prototype, and we are ready to begin full production,” he says, a sense of anticipation in his voice.
“This is something I’m very passionate about, and I’m confident it will be a game-changer for the industry.” This kind of forward momentum has been a hallmark of CMI’s approach. Metusalem stresses that embracing new technologies and continuously improving is central to staying ahead of the curve. “We invest in the latest technologies and training programs to ensure that our team remains at the forefront of industry trends and best practices,” he explains.
Despite his remarkable success, Metusalem remains humble and committed to the growth of the local community. “We are deeply committed to contributing to the development of the Namibian economy,” he says, reflecting on CMI’s role in creating local jobs and offering opportunities for Namibians in the maritime industry. “Our success is directly tied to the success of our region.” This commitment to both innovation and community has allowed CMI to thrive in a competitive, ever-changing landscape.
Metusalem’s passion for his work is evident, and his future ambitions are equally inspiring. When asked about his advice to budding entrepreneurs, he emphasizes the importance of cutting costs without sacrificing product quality, focusing on customer service, and nurturing strong relationships with both clients and employees. “It’s the foundation of everything,” he says. “When you invest in your team and build genuine relationships with your clients, everything else falls into place.”
Eyes on the Horizon
Looking ahead, Metusalem is not just content with maintaining his company’s success. He’s driven by a desire to lead CMI into new and exciting territories within the maritime industry, as well as to continue being a positive force in the Namibian economy. “I’m dedicating all my energy into building CMI to be a leading maritime service provider in Namibia,” he states resolutely.
Metusalem Uushona’s journey, from a small town in Northern Namibia to the helm of one of the country’s most respected maritime companies, is a testament to the power of resilience, passion, and a vision that sees beyond the horizon. Through Coastal Marine Investments, he has not only elevated himself but also created a space for others to rise with him.
“When you lead with purpose, the impact can go beyond just business—it can help uplift an entire community,” he says, looking ahead to the future. And as he continues to chart new waters, there’s no telling just how far his journey will take him. But one thing is certain: Metusalem’s story is far from over.
