Windhoek: Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform Inge Zaamwani on Monday called on development partners to align their support with Namibia's Strategy for the Transformation of the Agri-food Sector (STAS). Zaamwani made the call during the inaugural STAS Development Partners Network meeting held in Windhoek, stressing that urgent and coordinated action is needed to strengthen food security, create jobs and build resilience against climate change.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the strategy provides a platform for cooperation between government, farmers, agribusinesses, financial institutions, academia, civil society, and development partners. 'The transformation of Namibia's agri-food sector cannot be achieved by government alone,' said Zaamwani, urging partners to help mobilize investments, partnerships, and technical expertise required for implementation.
The STAS, which runs from 2025/26 to 2030/31, seeks to double the agri-food sector's contribution to the economy from the 2020 baseline and achieve annual agricultural growth of 6%. It is built on four pillars covering production and agribusiness, food and nutrition security, sustainable resource management, and responsive institutions. Zaamwani emphasized the need for accelerated implementation as Namibia continues to face food and nutrition security challenges, the risk of another El Ni±o event during the 2026/27 season, and threats from transboundary animal diseases.
According to the STAS, about 70% of Namibia's population depends directly or indirectly on agriculture for livelihoods, while the country imports around 60% of its food requirements. Speaking on behalf of development partners, United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator, Hopolang Phororo, welcomed the establishment of the STAS Development Partners Network, describing it as a key platform for dialogue, coordination, and partnership-building. She noted that development partners remain committed to supporting strategic investments in climate-resilient agriculture, water management, value addition, agribusiness development, and market access, while helping align resources with Namibia's priorities under the STAS.