Namibia’s horticultural exports surged 155% during the first quarter of 2026, reaching N$668 million as table grape exports fuelled strong growth in the country’s fresh produce sector.
The latest Quarterly Agriculture and Fishing Indicator Statistical Bulletin released by the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) shows export earnings increased from N$262 million recorded during the corresponding quarter of 2025.
Table grapes accounted for N$561.3 million in horticultural export earnings, making them by far Namibia’s largest horticultural export product during the quarter.
Dates followed with export earnings of N$101.5 million, while pumpkins, squash and gourds generated N$2.7 million and vegetable seeds, excluding beet seeds, contributed N$2.0 million.
“In the first quarter of 2026, Namibia exported horticultural products valued at N$668.0 million compared to N$262.0 million exported during the same quarter of 2025. This represents an increase of 155.0%. During the period under review, grapes were the leading export product, amounting to N$561.3 million, followed by dates at N$101.5 million, pumpkins, squash and gourds at N$2.7 million, while vegetable seeds, except beet seeds, stood at N$2.0 million,” the report said.
The export growth was driven largely by European markets.
The Netherlands was Namibia’s largest horticultural export destination, accounting for 39.7% of total exports, followed by the United Kingdom with 26.8% and Germany with 7.6%.
At the same time, horticultural imports declined by 4.1% to N$331.8 million from N$346 million during the first quarter of 2025.
Potatoes remained Namibia’s largest imported horticultural product at N$56.4 million, followed by apples valued at N$32.0 million, onions at N$16.2 million and tea leaves at N$14.7 million.
South Africa supplied 96.4% of Namibia’s horticultural imports, maintaining its position as the country’s dominant source of fresh produce and related horticultural products.
