Walvis bay: The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform is planning an industry indaba in 2026, alongside a bold policy push for greater local processing and value addition. This was announced by Minister Inge Zaamwani at the annual industry consultations in Walvis Bay on Wednesday.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the proposed indaba is designed to be a working leadership summit that produces actionable outcomes. Minister Zaamwani highlighted that the event would bring together rights holders, processors, scientists, workers’ representatives, and regional leaders.

As part of the sixth National Development Plan (NDP6), the ministry will require all quota holders to progressively increase local processing. The goal is to raise domestic value addition from 23 per cent to 45 per cent within five years, potentially creating 15,000 new permanent jobs, reducing raw fish exports by 60 per cent, and developing at least three new high-value product lines for export.

Minister Zaamwani declared that this strategic push will transform Namibia from a fishing nation into a comprehensive seafood economy, ensuring that marine resources create maximum benefit for all Namibians. Deputy Executive Director in the ministry, Ueritjiua Kauaria, acknowledged the ambitious nature of the target but emphasized that progress would still be valuable even if the full goal is not achieved.

Erongo Governor Natalia !Goagoses expressed her readiness to support the minister in achieving these national objectives through her role as a regional link. She pledged to be the ears and voice of the ministry and invited the industry to use the governor’s office in addressing domestic challenges. Furthermore, she underscored the government’s commitment to Namibianisation, emphasizing the need for greater local participation in vessel ownership, factory operations, and management.