B2Gold Invests N$2,2 Million into Agri Education

B2Gold Namibia has committed N$2,2 million to fund agricultural education over the next four years through the Agra Agricultural Academy, facilitated by Agra ProVision. The bursary initiative was officially launched on 31 March at the Agra Bank Windhoek Ring in Windhoek, where 20 selected candidates were announced to receive the first round of grants.The programme represents a four-year commitment by B2Gold Namibia, contributing N$560,000 per year to support 20 bursary recipients annually. Students will receive accredited, practical training in Plant Production and Animal Production, disciplines Dr Fiona Anderson, Manager of Agra ProVision, described as "the two pillars indispensable to strengthening Namibia's agricultural value chain."While expecting big things from the grant recipients, B2Gold Namibia Country Manager John Roos was deliberate in how he framed the funding. "It says grant, but it's an investment. I always say return on investment, and this is return on social investment. The individuals have a responsibility to utilise these funds and really do something great for Namibia."B2Gold and AgricultureFor Roos, B2Gold's involvement in agriculture extends beyond the bursary programme. The mining company is already one of Namibia's largest white maize producers and a significant wheat producer, having invested around N$30 million in its farms. "The idea of this business is, in the future, to generate returns which will go back to our community social responsibility (CSR) programmes once the mine shuts down. So it's a huge sustainability drive from ourselves and really living our values."He added that students entering the programme could one day play a direct role in B2Gold's agricultural operations. "These individuals could be the leaders that run Otjikoto Farm one day, and maybe something much bigger than Otjikoto. And that is why we are committed to a programme like this."Roos also signalled that the partnership may outlast its initial four-year term. "I'm sure if we see extensions in our life of mine, this is something that's not going to be four years and done and dusted. We would like to continue this and build our relationship with Agra ProVision even more."Selection ProcessThe call for applications ran from October 2025 to January 2026. “The response was overwhelming, as we received a total of 174 applications from aspiring agriculturalists across the country,” said Anderson. From that pool, 20 candidates were selected. The geographical spread reflects a focus on regions where agricultural potential is strong but access to education remains limited.Fourteen recipients come from the Northern Communal Areas, where livestock and communal farming are central to livelihoods, while the remaining six hail from Otjiwarongo, Okakarara, and the Maize Triangle. Recipients range in age from 19 to 34, with eleven young men and nine young women. Sixteen will study Animal Production and four will specialise in Plant Production.Anderson noted that the initiative aligns with the priorities of NDP6, emphasising human capital development, rural empowerment, and the creation of a resilient agricultural sector.Value of investmentAnderson highlighted what B2Gold's involvement signals to the broader mining sector. "B2Gold has once again demonstrated that responsible mining is not measured solely by what is extracted from the earth, but by what is invested back into the people. They have planted seeds of opportunity in the hands of young people who will one day feed this nation."She also contextualised the urgency of the investment. "This investment is critical because of the challenges we face, from climate variability to a heavy reliance on imported food. Meeting these challenges requires skilled, passionate, and committed people."Agra CEO Arnold Klein emphasised the value of cross-sector collaboration. "At Agra, we have always stood firm on one principle: agriculture is not optional; it is essential. What makes this initiative truly meaningful is that this understanding is shared beyond our industry. Partnerships like this ensure that we collectively invest in the sustainability of our country."In closing, Dino Ballotti, Deputy Minister Of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts, And Culture, told the grant recipients, “Many would have wanted to be in your shoes. So really do make the most of it.”

B2Gold Invests N$2,2 Million into Agri Education

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Republikein 2026-06-30

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B2Gold Invests N$2,2 Million into Agri Education

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