President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah says the government is committed to strengthening Namibia’s agricultural processing capacity as a key driver of economic growth, food security, and industrialisation.
Speaking at the Agri-Outlook Conference 2025 in Windhoek, the President said value addition within the agricultural sector is essential for improving productivity and reducing reliance on raw exports.
“The 8th Administration has prioritised agriculture as one of its seven priority areas in the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6), as well as the SWAPO Party Manifesto Implementation Plan (SMIP). Both these plans highlight the importance of the agricultural sector and propose tangible interventions to improve production, as well as assistance to farmers and secondary producers,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said.
She described agriculture as one of Namibia’s eight critical economic enablers, contributing to industrialisation, job creation, and food security.
The President added that the government’s goal is to transform the sector into a competitive, value-adding contributor to GDP through improved processing capacity and expanded market access.
“Therefore, we value the input and the enabling ability of agriculture not only to feed our nation and grow our economy, but also to make us self-reliant as a respected member of the global village. Agriculture is also a source of foreign currency through the export of agricultural products such as beef, grapes, vegetables, and other high-value commodities,” she said.
Highlighting the potential of Namibia’s Green Schemes in the Zambezi, Kavango East, Kavango West, and Omusati regions, Nandi-Ndaitwah said they are expected to play a central role in supporting future agro-processing industries.
“Yes, many challenges remain, and more support is needed for the Green Schemes to reach full production. However, the optimism in the sector is fuelling the potential for the setting up of industries through processing plants,” she said.
The President stressed that the agricultural sector must evolve through innovation, technology, and climate-resilient practices to ensure sustainability and long-term productivity.
“In order to harvest the future, we must reimagine agriculture as a smart, sustainable, and inclusive engine of development by embracing climate-resilient practices, investing in innovation and agri-tech, supporting smallholder farmers, and building value chains that are both equitable and efficient,” she said.
Nandi-Ndaitwah reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for investment in agriculture and processing through improved infrastructure, financing mechanisms, and policy alignment.
“I wish to reiterate that the Government is committed to creating an enabling environment for agriculture to thrive, and we deeply value initiatives such as engagement within and with all stakeholders on all our priority areas and critical economic enablers,” she said.
The President urged stakeholders to turn the Agri-Outlook Conference’s deliberations into tangible action that will strengthen agricultural transformation and secure Namibia’s food future.
“May the discussions held at the Agri-Outlook Conference 2025 on policy, investments, and practice be a catalyst for bold action in securing our future for generations to come,” she said.
