Namibia renews efforts to reduce food imports

Strategic Business Plan for 2025–2030, outlining a clear roadmap to strengthen the agronomic and horticultural sectors. The plan includes an investment of N$250 million over the next five years to develop crop value chains, targeting 60% grain self-sufficiency, 60% growth in horticulture exports, and a 97% compliance rate with regulatory standards. According to the NAB’s latest Grain Market Report for 2023/24, Namibia imported 100% of its white maize from South Africa, while wheat was sourced from Poland (47%), Latvia (43%), South Africa (8%), and Lithuania (2%). Production of mahangu, a traditional staple, also saw a sharp decline, with 2,245 tons imported, mostly from Angola (90%) and India (10%), while only 382 tons were procured locally. Overall grain production dropped by 31% due to below-average rainfall and poor yields. Despite contributing 7% to Namibia’s GDP and providing 30% of employment, the agricultural sector remains heavily reliant on imports, which account for 70% ...