The Namibia Agronomic Board (NAB) has highlighted the country’s heavy reliance on fruit imports, revealing that 97% of fruit consumed in Namibia is sourced from outside the country.
According to the government agency, Namibia spends more than N$224 million annually importing apples, bananas, citrus, mangoes and other fruit products.
NAB General Manager for Agronomy and Horticulture Development, Gilbert Mulonda, said that despite local grape production, only a small portion is consumed domestically, with the bulk destined for export markets.
“Fruits we produce are mainly table grapes, which are largely for export, with roughly about 1% sold in our domestic market. Namibia imports about 97% of its fruits and therefore it is very important that we increase production of fruits that can be produced locally,” Mulonda told a public enterprise information-sharing session on crop production and market regulations.
He added that citrus fruits remain another major production line, supplying the local market but still primarily export-oriented.
“Citrus is a big line for the local market but mainly for export as well,” Mulonda explained.
Highlighting Namibia’s potential for diversification, Mulonda pointed to tropical fruit varieties that could be cultivated under the country’s climatic and soil conditions.
“We also have fruits such as bananas, mangoes and pineapples that can be produced in Namibia, considering our current climatic and soil conditions,” he said.
The Board said the country’s heavy reliance on imports has prompted the launch of a Fruit Development Scheme aimed at boosting local production capacity.
According to the Potential and Challenges of Fruit Production and Value Addition in Namibia report, the initiative forms part of broader industrial policy efforts to reduce import dependence, strengthen food security and improve agricultural trade efficiency.
“Despite this overreliance on fruit and fruit product imports, Namibia has untapped potential for local fruit production and value addition. Several efforts, such as the NAB’s Fruit Development Scheme, are underway to boost local production and reduce import dependency through various initiatives and investments,” the report states.
However, the Board noted that further work, particularly in research and development, is required to address persistent challenges, including low levels of fruit cultivation, limited processing facilities, high post-harvest losses and insufficient targeted policy support.
