By: Nghiinomenwa-vali Erastus and Annakleta Haikera
Currently, there is a fleet of 235 vessels on Namibian waters catching fish and other marine resources, feeding 30 onshore processing plants.
These vessels and processing plants have earned N$27.9 billion in the past 2 years (2024 and 2023) through exports, according to updates from the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, Inge Zamwaani.
For the first quarter of 2025, the 235 vessels generated N$4.1 billion in export earnings through fish products, equalling earnings recorded during the first quarter of 2024.
In terms of fishing right participation, there are currently 462 active fishing right holders. Of these, 162 were first granted during 2012 and are expected to expire on 31 December 2026, the minister updated. The remainder of the fishing rights were granted in 2020 and are expected to expire on 30 May 2027.
Zamwaani explained that prior to the expiry of these fishing rights, the ministry shall evaluate the performance of these fishing rights consistent with prescribed performance criteria.
“I commit that sufficient notices shall be sent out to the Right Holders before the end of the current financial year, 2025/2026,” she stated.
Over the years, fish has been the only non-mineral product in Namibia’s top five exports. However, it has been noted that the fishery’s contribution to the industry has been dwindling in various species, while a moratorium has been issued for some species.
Zamwaani attributed the decrease primarily to reduced Total Allowable Catches (TACs) for key commercial species such as hake and horse mackerel.
For the 2024 fishing season, the TAC was set at 438,080MT, down from 457,380MT in 2023, resulting in total landings of 429,013 MT (inclusive of non-TAC regulated species).
The Fisheries Ministry engaged the fishing industry stakeholders in Walvis Bay during the week to mobilise support for recently approved Cabinet measures aimed at addressing escalating bycatches, a persistent challenge in sustainable fisheries management.
Zamwaani also highlighted the sector’s significant contribution to public revenue, reporting that N$278 million was generated in 2024 through quota fees, fund levies, licence fees, and penalties related to bycatches and over-catches.
“Employment remains a key strength of the sector, supporting over 19,440 Namibians. Of these, 71% work in onshore operations, with women making up 45% of the onshore workforce,” she explained.
Offshore operations remain male-dominated, employing only 140 women at sea, reflecting both historical patterns and the need for added efforts to promote gender inclusivity in maritime industries.
Industry experts have noted that while the slight decline in GDP contribution and export earnings is a concern, Namibia’s fisheries sector continues to maintain a strong operational base and remains a critical source of food security, economic activity, and employment for coastal communities.
“The Namibian fishing industry has faced challenges with fluctuating catch volumes, but it remains a pillar of our economy and an important source of livelihoods,” Zamwaani noted.
“With the implementation of new measures, we aim to enhance sustainability, reduce bycatches, and strengthen the sector’s long-term resilience,” she added.
The three-day engagement in Walvis Bay brought together vessel owners, processing plant operators, and other stakeholders to discuss strategies for improving operational efficiency, compliance with regulations, and market competitiveness.
Zamwaani emphasised that collaboration between government and industry players is crucial to ensuring that Namibia’s fisheries continue to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s economic growth while safeguarding marine resources for future generations.
The Agriculture and Fishing Indicators Statistical Bulletin for the First Quarter of 2025 reports a total of quota species amounted to 125,419 metric tons. This is an increase of 12.5 percent when compared to 111,484 metric tons recorded in the corresponding quarter of 2024.
Hake recorded the highest landings of 72,181 metric tons, followed by horse mackerel, recording 48,944 metric tons, and in third, monkfish, which recorded 2,937 metric tons.
The Agricultural Statistical Bulletin also indicated that the main export destination for fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates was Spain, accounting for 31.5 percent.
The main product exported to Spain was frozen fillets of hake.
The second and third export destinations were Zambia (21.1%) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (8.6%). The main products exported to these nations were frozen jack and horse mackerel.
