By: Loise Shiimi
The fishing industry remains a key sector of the economy, and a strategic national asset calling for sustainable management and development for the benefit of all Namibians, stresses President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.
The President noted that resources generated from the fishing sector provide employment opportunities, skills development, income, foreign exchange earnings, and nutritional security.
Nandi-Ndaitwah made these remarks during a three-day engagement focused on the fishing industry, held in Walvis Bay, Erongo Region, which drew approximately 250 participants.
Regarding the objectives of the engagement, the President stated that the primary aim was to enhance understanding on the sector and collaboratively reflect on its future.
She acknowledged that the industry has evolved over the years, with some necessary and challenging changes affecting jobs, livelihoods, and the daily realities of many Namibians.
Reflecting on achievements during her recent National Address, Nandi-Ndaitwah indicated that the fishing sector contributes 4.1% to the GDP, generates N$14.3 billion in exports, and supports over 21,000 direct jobs across the value chain.
She encouraged all attendees to engage openly and constructively, encouraging honest engagements on where improvements can be made moving forward.
“It is through open and constructive dialogue with stakeholders that we can formulate practical and responsive measures to tackle the challenges facing the industry,” she stated.
According to the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA), the total quota for species during the fourth quarter of 2025 amounted to 53,392 metric tonnes, reflecting a decrease of 20.8% compared to 67,382 metric tonnes recorded in the same quarter of 2024.
Among the various species, horse mackerel had the highest landings, totalling 30,896 metric tonnes, followed by hake, which recorded 18,436 metric tonnes, and crab, with 1,961 metric tonnes.
Export earnings for fish, crustaceans, molluscs, and other aquatic invertebrates for the fourth quarter of 2025 reached N$2.9 billion, marking a 9.8% increase compared to N$2.7 billion in the corresponding quarter of 2024.
Spain was the primary export destination for fish and related products in the quarter under review, accounting for 32.3% of total fish exports.
The NSA reported that frozen hake fillets were the leading product exported to Spain, while Zambia (26.7%) and South Africa (9.2%) were the second and third largest export destinations, respectively. The main products exported to Zambia and South Africa included frozen jack and horse mackerel.
In terms of imports, fish, crustaceans, molluscs, and other aquatic invertebrates totalled N$136.9 million for the quarter, reflecting a 36.3% increase compared to N$100.4 million recorded in the same quarter of 2024.
These products were primarily sourced from South Africa, which accounted for 50.1% of imports. The main product imported from South Africa was hake, while Spain was the second-highest source of imports, making up 21.7% of the total, with hake being the primary imported product.
The Falkland Islands ranked third, accounting for 10.1% of imports, with cuttlefish and squid as the main products sourced from this region.
