Wood charcoal production and further processing was selected as one of the promising agro-processing industries for which to conduct an in-depth value-chain analysis. Experience with industrial upgrading processes around the world has shown that value-chain analysis is a useful tool that can help identify constraints to and opportunities for industrial growth and competitiveness. The detected opportunities and constraints within Namibia's charcoal industry and associated product value chains were the departure point for an industry growth strategy, the implementation of which is expected to make a significant contribution to achieving the overall goals and targets of Growth at Home - Namibia's Execution Strategy for Industrialisation.