Nedbank Namibia has partnered with Agra Limited to support skills development in the country’s agricultural sector through a sponsorship of N$560,000 to the Agra Agricultural Academy.
The funding will cover registration and tuition fees for 20 students pursuing national certificates and diplomas in plant and animal production, farm management, and agricultural services.
Managed by Agra ProVision, the academy provides accredited online training through the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
The partnership is aimed at making agricultural education more accessible while equipping students with the practical skills needed to contribute to the growth of Namibia’s agriculture sector.
Speaking at the official handover, Nedbank Namibia Managing Director Martha Murorua said the bursaries are intended to encourage more young people to pursue qualifications in agriculture.
“By investing in practical education, we hope to inspire the current and next generation to see agriculture as a vital and rewarding career path. Practical degrees equip students with hands-on experience and real-world skills, preparing them to tackle modern agricultural challenges and contribute to the sector’s growth,” she said.
Murorua added that the bank’s broader investment in education includes its N$800,000 bursary programme and the award-winning Nedbank Education Trust.
These initiatives, she said, are essential for building a skilled workforce to drive economic development, ensure food security, and create sustainable employment in Namibia.
Agra Limited CEO Arnold Klein pointed out some of the challenges facing the agricultural sector, particularly the lack of practical experience among new entrants.
“There is a significant gap between theoretical education and the hands-on experience required in farming. An ageing farming population is also a concern, with the average age of farmers around 55, and limited youth participation in the sector,” he said.
Klein also noted that many emerging and communal farmers face financial and logistical barriers to accessing training, with high costs and the need for travel often discouraging enrolment and retention.
Fiona Anderson, Manager at Agra ProVision, said the academy is working to bridge the gap between theory and practice, not only through support from Nedbank but also in collaboration with the Namibian Agronomic Board.
“Our vision is to provide graduates with practical, on-the-job training at agricultural institutes supported by the Board. The academy’s e-learning platform allows students to study at their own pace from any location, which is ideal for those balancing education with other responsibilities,” Anderson said.
A memorandum of understanding is currently being finalised to clearly define the roles and responsibilities of all involved partners.
The CEO of the Namibian Agronomic Board, Fidelis Mwazi, said the Board envisions graduates eventually becoming independent consultants, mentors, and transformative agents in the agricultural sector. He also acknowledged the growing impact of climate change.
“The days of relying solely on rain-fed agriculture are behind us. The shift to irrigated agriculture is no longer optional – it is essential. That is why we are engaging with financial institutions to develop crop value chain financing packages to help farmers and stakeholders adopt more resilient and productive systems,” Mwazi said.
