Namibia advances transformation of agri-food sector

Jacques du ToitNamibia is moving to transform its agriculture sector through the Strategy for the Transformation of the Agri-Food Sector (STAS), a government-led initiative aimed at boosting production, improving food security, and promoting sustainable resource management. The strategy emphasises public–private collaboration and aligns national efforts with continental, regional and domestic development frameworks.At the 2025 Agri Outlook Conference, Ben Haraseb, Director of the Directorate of Agricultural Production, Extension and Engineering Services, presented the STAS plan to stakeholders, explaining how it translates policy commitments into actionable programmes.He noted that STAS builds on Namibia’s obligations under the African Union’s Maputo, Malabo and Kampala Declarations. While earlier declarations focused on allocating 10% of public expenditure to agriculture, the 2025 Kampala Declaration goes further by specifying investment priorities to strengthen agri-food systems and supply chains. At national level, STAS links these commitments to Vision 2030 and the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6), ensuring coherence between policy and implementation.The strategy is structured around four main pillars that mirror NDP6 objectives. The first targets production, productivity and agribusiness, covering livestock, crops, post-harvest management, agro-processing, marketing and farmer organisation. The second addresses food and nutrition security, skills development and strengthened governance structures for producer organisations, with particular attention to vulnerable groups.The third pillar focuses on sustainable resource management, including land and rangeland management, biomass production, soil health, water management, irrigation and climate resilience. The fourth ensures an enabling environment and responsive institutions, spanning policy and regulatory frameworks, data management, agricultural advisory services, infrastructure and institutional arrangements.A key feature of STAS is its emphasis on public–private engagement. Government is responsible for creating an enabling environment, while the private sector is expected to invest in production, marketing, processing and logistics. This collaboration aims to close funding gaps, increase productivity, create jobs and enhance national food security. By aligning public expenditure with private sector activity, STAS seeks to unlock the full potential of Namibia’s agriculture sector.Implementation and coordinationImplementation is supported by a robust governance structure. The strategy establishes an Agri-Food Sector Assembly, supported by an Agriculture Sector Working Group (ASWG) and a series of Technical Working Groups (TWGs). These cover specialist areas including livestock, horticulture, water and irrigation, biomass, climate change and nutrition security. Co-chairing arrangements between public and private stakeholders ensure joint planning, decision-making and implementation. Subcommittees may be formed to address technical or regional issues, enabling targeted interventions across the value chain.The approach emphasises preparation and inclusivity. Before implementation begins, the Ministry of Agriculture has commissioned organisations to conduct stakeholder mapping to ensure that all relevant actors - producers, processors, marketers and logistics providers - are represented and aware of their responsibilities. This comprehensive approach aims to integrate the full value chain and avoid fragmented initiatives.Driving investment and innovationSTAS also seeks to drive investment and innovation. By identifying priority sectors, it encourages domestic and international investment in production, processing and marketing. Pillar One initiatives aim to strengthen livestock and crop production, enhance post-harvest handling, expand agro-processing and promote organised agriculture.Pillar Two focuses on improved nutrition, capacity-building and opportunities for youth and women entrepreneurs. Pillar Three emphasises sustainable land use, soil management, water conservation, irrigation and climate adaptation. Pillar Four aims to strengthen regulatory frameworks, enhance advisory services and develop the infrastructure needed to support growth and competitiveness.The ministry plans to convene an implementation workshop to formalise the working groups and orient members on their responsibilities. Through systematic engagement and coordination across technical areas, the strategy aims to ensure that all actors contribute effectively to sector transformation.National and international partners - including FAO, GIZ, NNFU, Agribank and industry associations - have committed to supporting the rollout, signalling strong alignment and shared responsibility.According to Haraseb, STAS represents a shift from policy planning to practical implementation. By aligning national goals with continental priorities, promoting public–private partnerships and addressing the full agricultural value chain, the strategy aims to enhance productivity, strengthen food security and build a sustainable agri-food system for the future. With active stakeholder engagement, STAS is positioned to drive measurable progress in transforming Namibia’s agriculture sector over the next decade.QR CODE WEB LINK: https://q.my.na/5LTIQR CODE IMAGE: https://q.my.na/uploads/images/5LTI.pngQR CODE CAPTION: Scan to view Agri Outlook presentations

Namibia advances transformation of agri-food sector

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Republikein 2025-11-20

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