Statement by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah:Namibia Poised to ‘Harvest the Future’ Through Sustainable Agriculture

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah speaking at the Agri-Outlook Conference, Windhoek Country Club Resort, 8 October 2025

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Allow me at the onset to appreciate the invitation extended to me by the Farmers Unions to officiate at the Agri-Outlook Conference 2025. This year’s conference is held under the theme ‘Harvesting the Future’. This theme is forward-looking, calling upon us to not only envision the future of agriculture but to actively shape it.

I applaud all four unions, namely the Namibia Emerging Commercial Farmers Union, Namibia National Farmers Union, Previously Disadvantaged National Farmers Union, and the Namibia Agricultural Union, for their collaboration and for setting up a befitting programme focusing on key thematic areas which align with the aspirations of the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6), the developmental roadmap for the eighth administration.

These thematic areas are:
• Inclusive and sustainable transformation growth in the livestock economy
• Value addition and market access in the northern communal areas
• Capacity building and youth: farmers’ mainstreaming
• Technology and innovation in agriculture
• Sustainable agriculture

Today, agriculture stands at the cusp of great opportunity in Namibia. The eighth administration has prioritised agriculture as one of its seven priority areas in NDP6, as well as the Swapo Party Manifesto Implementation Plan, both of which highlight the importance of the agricultural sector and propose tangible interventions to improve production, as well as assistance to farmers and secondary producers. 

This decision was intentional, as we recognise that agriculture is directly linked to development. Most countries in the world have developed through agricultural transformation, and that is what we want to see in Namibia, cognisant of our climatic conditions.

It is also not by chance that agriculture doubles as one of the eight critical economic enablers. Agriculture is essential for industrialisation, job creation and food security. Our founding president, Sam Nujoma, taught us that a nation that cannot feed itself cannot be respected.

Therefore, we value the input and enabling ability of agriculture not only to feed our nation, grow our economy and make us self-reliant, but also to position Namibia as a respected member of the global village. Agriculture is also a source of foreign currency through the export of agricultural products such as beef, grapes, vegetables and other high-value commodities.

Earlier this year, I had the privilege to visit the green schemes in Zambezi, Kavango East, Kavango West and Omusati regions. I was greatly encouraged by the potential and opportunity for us to feed the nation from the produce of these green schemes. Yes, many challenges remain and more support is needed for them to reach full production. However, the optimism in the sector is fuelling the potential for setting up industries through processing plants.

The challenges before us in the agriculture sector – such as climate change, soil degradation, and consumer demands – define how we grow, distribute and consume food. 

In the face of these challenges lie the seeds to transform our agriculture sector.

In order to harvest the future, we must reimagine agriculture as a smart, sustainable and inclusive engine of development by embracing climate-resilient practices, investing in innovation and agri-tech, supporting smallholder farmers, and building value chains that are both equitable and efficient.

The Agri-Outlook Conference brings together farmers from all corners of the country – communal, emerging and commercial – including supporting organisations and local and international agricultural experts. The primary goal is to share knowledge and plan how to improve Namibian farmers’ productivity and profitability to contribute to livelihoods, food security and the Gross Domestic Product of the country.

The agricultural sector is a cornerstone of Namibia’s socio-economic development, providing rural income and ensuring food security. About 70% of the Namibian population derives their livelihoods directly from the livestock and crop value chains. 

All people of the world depend on agriculture for their survival. This highlights the importance of attaining adequate basic agricultural inputs for increased production, thereby improving the sector’s economic competitiveness and sustaining the entire value chain.

As mentioned, the agricultural sector serves as a catalyst for the manufacturing industry and a significant source of foreign earnings. However, over the years, the sector has experienced volatility caused by a combination of changing climatic conditions and inadequate investment.

Despite being the largest employer in Namibia, the agricultural workforce is ageing, with signs that the youth are lacking interest in agriculture-related jobs. Although the food and nutrition security situation has improved over the past decades, some level of undernourishment persists. It is imperative that a conducive environment be created for agriculture through connectivity, creativity and access to finance, for the sector to serve its purpose.

I wish to reiterate that the government is committed to creating an enabling environment for agriculture to thrive, and we deeply value initiatives such as engagement within and with all stakeholders on all our priority areas and critical economic enablers.

May the discussions held at the Agri-Outlook Conference 2025 on policy, investments and practice be a catalyst for bold action in securing our future for generations to come.

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