Namibia’s cereal grain imports declined to N$488.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2025, down 43.4% from N$863.0 million recorded in the corresponding quarter of 2024, according to the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA).
Despite the sharp decline, maize remained the dominant import, accounting for the largest share of cereal grain inflows during the period.
“During the period under review, maize was the most imported grain at a value of N$299.4 million, followed by wheat at N$177.5 million and rice at N$6.1 million,” the NSA said.
South Africa was the primary source of cereal grain imports, accounting for 63.1%, followed by the Russian Federation at 18.9% and Poland at 17.4%. Maize imports were largely sourced from South Africa, while wheat was mainly imported from the Russian Federation and Poland.
Meanwhile, export earnings from agronomic products declined sharply to N$175,500 in the fourth quarter of 2025, representing a 79.5% drop from N$855,200 recorded in the same period in 2024.
“Export earnings were mostly derived from maize, which accounted for 99.9% of total export earnings during the period under review,” the NSA said.
Cereal grain exports during the quarter were primarily destined for South Africa and Angola, which accounted for 76.5% and 23.4%, respectively, with maize being the main commodity exported to both markets.
The NSA said agronomic products in this category include controlled crops such as pearl millet, white maize and wheat, which are regulated by the Namibian Agronomic Board.
Domestic production, however, recorded a strong increase, with total agronomic output rising to 22,643 tonnes in the fourth quarter of 2025, up from 4,758 tonnes in the corresponding quarter of 2024, representing a 375.9% increase.
“This performance is attributed to wheat, which recorded a significant increase of 1,057.6% during the period under review,” the NSA said.
Wheat accounted for the largest share of production at 21,058 tonnes, followed by white maize at 1,059 tonnes and pearl millet at 526 tonnes.
