Namibia’s fishing sector continues to be a cornerstone of the national economy and a vital source of employment, directly supporting nearly 20,000 citizens. This was confirmed by the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, Inge Zaamwani-Kamwi during an annual consultation with industry stakeholders.
The Minister revealed that the industry currently provides significant employment opportunities for 19,440 Namibians. A substantial majority, 71% of the workforce, is engaged in onshore operations at processing plants, while the remainder work on the fleet of 235 active fishing vessels. The onshore segment demonstrates a notable level of gender inclusivity, with women making up 45% of its workforce. In contrast, offshore operations remain predominantly male, employing only 140 women at sea.
This extensive workforce underpins a sector that contributed 4.1% to the national GDP in 2024. Despite a slight decline from the previous year, largely attributed to reduced quotas for key species like hake and horse mackerel, the industry’s export earnings remained robust at N$13.8 billion.
The Ministry also collected N$278 million in revenue through various streams, including quota fees, levies, and license fees. To ensure the long-term sustainability of these jobs and resources, the Minister addressed ongoing challenges, announcing a stricter 2% bycatch threshold and increased penalty fees to promote responsible fishing behaviour and protect marine ecosystems.
The address reinforced the government’s commitment to safeguarding the industry’s stability, which is the foundation for the livelihoods of thousands of Namibian families and a key driver of economic activity.