The draft implementation framework for Namibia’s strategy for the transformation of the agri-food sector is expected to be completed within the next few months.
Minister of agriculture, fisheries, water and land reform Inge Zaamwani announced this at the Strategy for the Transformation of the Agri-Food Sector (Stas) development partners’ network meeting in Windhoek on Monday.
Launched in November 2024, Stas is intended to increase investment, improve productivity and make Namibia’s agri-food value chains more competitive.
Zaamwani said the framework will identify priority projects and guide the implementation of the strategy.
The government also plans to convene the Stas assembly before October, by which time the strategy should have moved from planning to implementation.
“The agri-food sector assembly will provide an opportunity for development partners to present their current and planned contributions in support of the Stas.
“This will improve the visibility of ongoing and planned interventions, strengthen coordination, help identify synergies, and promote the strategic alignment of investments with the priorities of the strategy,” Zaamwani said.
She called on development partners to provide technical expertise, financial support and other resources to help finalise the framework.
Namibia has completed the planning phase and is now turning the strategy into programmes with clear priorities, work streams and investment packages, she said.
According to Zaamwani, the next phase will require closer cooperation to build on existing work, avoid duplication and deliver results faster.
The minister said the strategy is intended to benefit both communal and commercial farmers while strengthening fisheries, aquaculture, land management and water security through climate-smart technologies.
Zaamwani warned that Namibia cannot afford delays as the country continues to face food and nutrition security challenges, the threat of another El Niño during the 2026/27 season, and the growing risk of transboundary animal diseases.
“This is not only about producing more food, it is also about creating jobs, particularly for rural youth and women, strengthening agro-processing and value addition, attracting investment, expanding regional and international market opportunities, and building an agri-food sector that drives inclusive economic growth and lasting prosperity,” she said.
Acting executive director of agriculture, fisheries, water and land reform Petrus Nangolo at the meeting said the strategy received further support in November 2025 when the African Union Development Agency-New Partnership for Africa’s Development reviewed its development process.
He said the review found that the strategy followed the required process, included a wide range of stakeholders and was aligned with Namibia’s national development priorities and the Kampala framework.
Nangolo said role-players established 10 technical working groups and the agri-food sector transformation group in May to oversee implementation.
Furthermore, a workshop held in June focused on developing programmes, mobilising resources and identifying priority projects that will form the basis of future investment packages.
Nangolo said most of the coordination structures are already in place, while the agri-food sector transformation group and the Stas development partners network still need to become fully operational.
Speaking on behalf of development partners, United Nations resident coordinator to Namibia Hopolang Phororo pledged continued support for the strategy.
She said the success of the strategy should not only be measured by higher agricultural production but also by its ability to create jobs, improve livelihoods and strengthen rural communities.
Women and young people should remain at the centre of the transformation because they are critical to the future of Namibia’s agri-food sector, she said.
Phororo said development partners are ready to support monitoring, knowledge sharing and reporting systems to help measure progress and improve implementation.
The Stas development partners’ network will also help identify investment opportunities, mobilise expertise and strengthen collaboration where additional support is
