The government has moved into the implementation phase of its Strategy for the Transformation of the Agri-food Sector (STAS), establishing new coordination structures to drive reforms aimed at improving food security, creating jobs and attracting investment into Namibia’s agricultural sector.
Speaking at the STAS development partners networking meeting in Windhoek, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform Minister Inge Zaamwani said the focus has shifted from developing policy to delivering tangible results on the ground.
She called on development partners to align their financial and technical support with the strategy’s priorities to help accelerate implementation.
“I therefore call upon you, our development partners, to align your support with the priorities of the STAS and join us in mobilising investments, partnerships and technical cooperation required to turn this strategy into practical actions,” Zaamwani said.
She said transforming the agri-food sector requires collaboration between government, commercial farmers, communal producers, agribusinesses, financial institutions and civil society.
Zaamwani said the strategy is intended to strengthen food security while driving economic growth through agro-processing, investment promotion, job creation and improved market access.
Acting Executive Director Petrus Canisius Nangolo said the ministry has established Technical Working Groups and an Agri-food Sector Transformation Group to coordinate implementation and improve collaboration between government and development partners.
He said the new structures are intended to ensure development assistance is aligned with national priorities, reduce duplication of projects and maximise the impact of public and donor funding.
Namibia’s implementation drive comes as the country faces increasing pressure from climate-related risks, including the possibility of another El Niño event during the 2026/27 agricultural season and the continued threat of transboundary animal diseases.
