By: Staff Reporter
Namibia’s fishing sector, long celebrated as an economic pillar but rarely recognised for the physical toll it takes on its workforce, is set to receive a show of appreciation.
The Namibia Fisheries Intra Corporate Tournament Cup, also billed as the Namibia Fishing Industry Sports & Wellness Games, will bring vessel crews, factory workers, harbour staff and logistics teams together for three days of sport, health screening and camaraderie at the Jan Wilken Rugby Sports Stadium from 1 to 4 October 2026.
The proposed initiative is being organised by Erongo Namibia Land & Property Development CC in partnership with companies across the fishing industry, and is chaired by Thomas T. Mununga of the Namibia Fisheries & Corporate Expo.
Mununga frames the Games as a response to an industry that “often faces long, physically demanding hours with limited opportunities for recreation or preventative health care.”
More than a sports day
While the event will feature competitive team sports, which include football, netball, volleyball and tug-of-war and individual disciplines such athletics, chess, darts and bowling, the primary ambition of the event goes beyond trophies and medals.
A “Wellness Village” will run in parallel throughout the three days, offering free blood pressure, blood sugar and BMI screening, eye and hearing tests, HIV testing and counselling, and short talks on nutrition, hydration, sleep and stress management for shift workers.
The goal is to give fishing companies which range from vessel operators to seafood processors, maritime service providers and logistics firms a shared platform to demonstrate their commitment to employee wellbeing, while also detecting health issues early among a workforce that often has limited access to routine care.
Concrete targets have been set for the first edition: free basic health screening for at least 70% of registered participants, at least four team sports suitable for a range of fitness levels, and inclusive activities such as relay races and a fun-walk so that non-athletes and family members can take part.
Building bridges across a competitive industry
The event will make an intentional effort to focus on the social benefits rather than sporting feats. The companies in Namibia’s fishing sector may be viewed as competitors in business but in reality they are neighbours and colleagues in daily life. This positions the event as a shared occasion where staff from rival firms can compete and mingle outside of their regular commercial interests and duties. From the sea-going crew to the factory floor and administrative staff, teams are encouraged to mix departments to build unity within companies as well as across the industry.
The organisers of the event have identified roles for the Walvis Bay Municipality (venue access and logistics), the Erongo Regional Council (linking the initiative to regional development priorities), and three national ministries: Agriculture, Fisheries, Water & Land Reform; Justice & Labour; and Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts & Culture. The latter is expected to lend official recognition and help open the door to youth mobilisation and future co-sponsorship.
Funding and sponsorship
The Games will be funded through a mix of exhibition fees, sponsorship packages and corporate social contributions. Sponsorship tiers range from Bronze (N$20,000 – N$40,000) to Silver (N$50,000 – N$70,000) to Gold (N$75,000 to N$100,000) and Platinum (N$100,000+).
Each package carries escalating branding rights. From logo placement on programme listings up to naming rights as lead sponsor, front-of-shirt branding on official event t-shirts, and a speaking slot at the opening ceremony or gala dinner. In-kind contributions, such as catering, transport, branded attire or media publicity, are also welcomed and will be recognised at a level corresponding to their estimated monetary value. Sponsorship artwork must be submitted by 11 September 2026.
A dedicated Fundraising Gala Dinner, which will be officiated by Agriculture Minister, Inge Zaamwani and Governor of Erongo Region, Dr. Natia Goagose is slated to take place ahead of the Games to secure sponsorship pledges from industry leaders.
A full operating budget covering sports equipment, security, medical services, catering, transport and administration will be finalised once participating teams are confirmed.
Looking beyond the first edition
The event is meant to be the start of a tradition rather than a once-off event. Organizers of the event are aiming for the event to be an annual or biennial fixture on the Walvis Bay calendar, with potential expansion to other coastal towns such as Lüderitz in future years.
Organizers hope that the Games could eventually become a recognised symbol of the Namibian fishing industry’s commitment to its workforce, acting as a key platform for both recruitment and retention.
Companies interested in sponsoring or fielding a team can contact project administrator Tulimeke Jonas at namfisheries.corporatexpo@gmail.com.
