Namibia is looking to expand agricultural trade and production partnerships with Zimbabwe after its exports to the country increased to US$46.34 million, while national strategic food reserve capacity reached 22,900 metric tonnes.
The Agro-Marketing and Trade Agency (AMTA) said increased domestic production of white maize and pearl millet, supported by mechanisation and subsidies, is strengthening Namibia’s agricultural capacity and creating opportunities for greater regional trade.
AMTA Acting Chief Executive Officer Alfeus Siyamba said Namibia currently has capacity for 22,900 metric tonnes in its national strategic food reserve.
“At the moment, we do have about 22,900 metric tons capacity of our national strategic food reserve. What that also represents is really talking to the capacity of Namibia in terms of production,” Siyamba said.
He said government interventions aimed at increasing agricultural production were beginning to yield results.
“We have been improving a lot of intervention schemes, a lot of mechanization and subsidization to support the production of white maize as well as pearl millet, and this year we have hit at least 64% so we are improving, and constantly we are growing,” he said.
The comments came during ZimTrade’s three-day Outward Trade Mission to Namibia, where businesses from both countries explored opportunities in agricultural sourcing, agro-processing, manufacturing, distribution and regional value chains.
The discussions take place against a significant shift in trade between the two countries.
Namibia’s exports to Zimbabwe increased from US$38.18 million in 2021 to US$46.34 million in 2025, while Zimbabwe’s exports to Namibia dropped from US$18.13 million to just US$5.34 million over the same period.
The divergence left Zimbabwe with a bilateral trade deficit of approximately US$41 million with Namibia in 2025.
Zimbabwe is now seeking to increase its exports to Namibia through new distribution agreements, agricultural sourcing arrangements, contract manufacturing and cross-border services.
ZimTrade Southern Region Manager Jacqueline Nyathi said agriculture and agro-processing provide significant scope for increased commercial cooperation.
“We have a climate that allows us to be highly productive in terms of agriculture, and agriculture being a backbone of our economy, you will note that there is quite a lot of agro-processing that is taking place,” Nyathi said.
Agriculture accounts for about 19% of Zimbabwe’s gross domestic product and 30% of its export earnings, while supporting an estimated 60% to 70% of the population.
Nyathi said stronger trade would require improved customs processes, closer links between businesses and greater cooperation in developing regional value chains.
The two countries are also looking at opportunities to connect Namibian buyers with Zimbabwean suppliers and increase cooperation in agro-processing, manufacturing, agricultural machinery, technology and skills.
Namibia and Zimbabwe already have regional and bilateral mechanisms through which to pursue greater trade, including the Southern African Development Community, the African Continental Free Trade Area and the Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation.
