By: Peneyambeko Jonas
The government has engaged various partners in efforts to unlock agricultural investment, improve food security and create jobs through the implementation of the Strategy for the Transformation of the Agri-food Sector (STAS), The National blueprint is designed to modernise agriculture and strengthen the country’s economic resilience.
The commitment was reinforced on Monday during a high-level Development Partners Networking Meeting held in Windhoek, where government leaders, development agencies, diplomats and private-sector stakeholders pledged closer cooperation to accelerate the transformation of the country’s agri-food sector.
Speaking at the gathering, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, Inge Zaamwani, stressed that the next phase of the strategy will focus on turning policy commitments into practical investment programmes capable of delivering measurable economic outcomes.
“We are now entering the next critical phase of this journey, which is translating the Strategy into a coherent programme with clearly defined priorities, work streams and investment packages,” Zaamwani said.
She emphasised that the government alone cannot drive the transformation agenda and called on development partners, financial institutions, farmers, researchers and agribusinesses to become active participants in the process.
“The transformation of Namibia’s agri-food sector cannot be achieved by the government alone. Every stakeholder is a co-creator and co-implementer of this transformation,” she said.
The STAS was launched in 2024 as a framework to improve productivity, strengthen food systems, increase competitiveness and attract investment across agricultural value chains.
The initiative is also aligned with Namibia’s Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6), Vision 2030 and the African Union’s Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP).
Acting Executive Director in the Ministry, Petrus Canisius Nangolo, said the strategy represents a significant shift from planning to implementation.
“The next phase of STAS focuses on programming of priority interventions and the development of investment packages which will require our collective support, coordinated action and sustained partnership,” Nangolo told delegates.
He noted that governance structures have already been established, including ten Technical Working Groups and the Agri-food Sector Transformation Group, creating a platform for collaboration between government and non-state actors.
Economic analysts view the initiative as a strategic opportunity to stimulate growth in one of Namibia’s most important productive sectors.
Agriculture remains a major source of livelihoods, particularly in rural areas, but continues to face challenges ranging from climate shocks and water scarcity to limited value addition and market access.
Zaamwani highlighted the importance of building climate resilience and improving productivity through innovation.
“We need to improve water supply security through climate-smart water management technology. Similarly, we must harness the opportunities presented by renewable energy to enhance agricultural productivity, lower production costs and build resilient food systems,” she said.
Development partners welcomed the government’s efforts and signalled their willingness to align support with national priorities.
Delivering a statement on behalf of development partners, United Nations Resident Coordinator Hopolang Phororo praised Namibia’s progress in establishing implementation structures and coordinating stakeholders around a shared vision.
“Development is most effective when it builds on national leadership, shared ownership and effective coordination, and we look forward to working within the implementation framework established under STAS,” she said.
Phororo noted that development institutions can contribute financing, technical expertise, innovation and capacity development to help accelerate implementation.
She further stressed the importance of strategic investments in areas such as water management, climate-resilient agriculture, agribusiness development, value addition and market access.
“The success of STAS will be measured not only by increased production and productivity, but also by its contribution to inclusive economic growth, decent employment, improved livelihoods and greater resilience among rural communities,” she said.
Officials also warned that the country cannot afford delays. With forecasts pointing to a possible El Niño event during the 2026/27 agricultural season and continued threats from transboundary animal diseases, stakeholders were urged to fast-track implementation.
Despite these challenges, Zaamwani believes the sector is positioned for significant growth.
“This is not only about producing more food. It is also about creating jobs, particularly for rural youth and women, strengthening agro-processing and value addition, attracting investment and expanding regional and international market opportunities,” she said.
The government aims to present a draft STAS programming framework within the coming months and convene an Agri-food Sector Assembly before October 2026, where stakeholders will review investment commitments and implementation plans.
If successfully executed, the strategy could become one of Namibia’s most significant economic transformation programmes, helping to boost food security, attract investment, stimulate rural development and position agriculture as a stronger driver of inclusive economic growth.
