Namibia’s Marine Wealth Must Benefit All: Rethinking Quotas

Namibia boasts one of the world’s richest marine ecosystems, thanks to the nutrient-rich Benguela Current that supports abundant fish stock.

With a small population and a vast coastline, it’s reasonable to expect that all Namibians would enjoy affordable fish and a fair share of the economic benefits.

Sadly, this is far from the reality on the ground.

In recent years, the price of fish has risen sharply, making it increasingly inaccessible to the average Namibian.

Local fish shops are frequently empty, and workers in fish processing factories struggle to survive on low wages that do not meet basic living standards. 

Ironically, these struggles exist in a country that exports tens of thousands of tonnes of fish annually.

At the same time, a handful of individuals – many of whom are not actively involved in the industry – live comfortably off the profits of fishing quotas.

These individuals receive quotas from the government and lease them out to companies with vessels and processing plants, earning significant revenue while contributing little or nothing to operations.

They are passive beneficiaries of public resources and their rent-seeking has become an expensive burden on the sector.

Fishing companies are thus forced to cover the costs of harvesting, processing and exporting fish while also paying substantial fees to the quota holders.

UNJUST AND INEFFICIENT

To remain profitable, many of these companies focus on export markets where prices are higher, rather than prioritising their local supply.

The end result is a system where the average Namibian cannot afford fish, workers in processing factories are underpaid and the public derives minimal benefit from its own marine resources.

This model is not only inefficient but also unjust.

It contradicts the principles of equity and sustainability that Namibia’s fisheries policy was meant to uphold.

When a few benefit from marine resources while most are left out, we must question whether the system truly serves the nation.

A PATH FORWARD

To move toward a more inclusive and fair fishing industry, Namibia must initiate open, constructive dialogue on reforming the current quota system.

This is not a call for radical disruption, but rather an invitation to policymakers, stakeholders and citizens to reflect on how best to manage our fisheries in the interest of the public good.

Firstly, quotas should be awarded based on operational capacity, not merely on the basis of individual connections or past political affiliation.

Quotas must go to companies or cooperatives that have the vessels, infrastructure and workforce to carry out fishing and processing operations efficiently.

This will ensure that value is created within Namibia and that quotas are linked directly to employment and production.

Secondly, a clearly defined percentage of the total allowable catch should be reserved for the local market.

Companies granted these quotas must be required to sell fish in Namibia at affordable prices to support national food security.

Price controls or guided pricing frameworks could help companies recover costs while making fish accessible to ordinary Namibians.

Incentives can also play a key role.

Companies that prioritise local employment, processing and domestic sales should be rewarded through tax reductions, longer-term quota allocations or access to capital.

Such positive reinforcements could shift the industry toward practices that benefit society as a whole, not just profit margins.

Transparency is equally crucial.

The public has a right to know who is allowed to fish, how quotas are distributed and how profits are spent.

Publicising this data will encourage accountability, particularly in light of previous corruption scandals in the industry.

NATIONAL FUND?

Lastly, Namibia could consider establishing a Fisheries Benefit Fund.

A small percentage of revenue from the sector, whether from quota fees, exports or licensing, could be channeled into a national fund dedicated to coastal community development, youth training and support for small-scale fishers.

This would ensure that the broader population gains a lasting benefit from the sustainable use of our marine wealth.

Unless we are prepared to honestly examine the drawbacks of the current quota system and consider a different strategy, the industry’s potential will remain unreached.

This is a call to action for the Namibian public, industry stakeholders, community leaders and legislators to start an open national dialogue.

Who really benefits from our seafood?

Are we making the most of its economic and social worth?

And what needs to change to guarantee that all Namibians, not just a select few, benefit from the ocean’s abundance?

The answers to these questions will define the future of our fishing industry and, perhaps, the future of our national commitment to fairness, justice and sustainable development.

• – Petrus Amadhila holds a bachelor’s degree in natural resource management and a postgraduate diploma in project management.

In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.