The Namibian Agronomic Board (NAB) has launched its Integrated Strategic Business Plan for 2025–2030, outlining a clear roadmap to strengthen the nation’s agronomy and horticulture sectors. With a vision to become a “globally recognised regulator of a sustainable, agile and innovative agronomy and horticulture sector,” the NAB aims to tackle longstanding challenges such as drought, import dependency, and limited value addition while seizing new opportunities in regional and international markets.
The plan arrives at a critical juncture. Despite Namibia’s harsh climate, the crop sector has shown remarkable resilience, contributing 7% to the national GDP and accounting for 30% of employment. However, the country still imports about 96% of its fruit consumption and relies heavily on foreign supplies for staple grains like maize and wheat. The horticulture export sector, on the other hand, has seen explosive growth—jumping from N$674 million in 2019 to N$13 billion in 2024—a signal of untapped potential.
Central to the NAB’s strategy is the Crop Value Chain Development Plan, a detailed five-year blueprint designed to boost local production, improve processing capacity, and open new trade pathways. “This plan is not just a document; it is a commitment to innovation, resilience, and sustainable growth,” wrote NAB Chairperson Hubertus Hamm in his foreword. He emphasised that success will depend on collaboration among farmers, traders, processors, and government bodies.
One of the most ambitious targets is to increase the share of locally produced horticulture products under the Market Share Promotion (MSP) scheme. Currently set at 47%, the scheme requires traders to source nearly half of their stock from local farmers as a condition for import permits. Over the next five years, the NAB aims to systematically raise this threshold, stimulating local production and reducing reliance on imports. Similarly, for agronomic crops like maize and pearl millet, the board plans to enhance self-sufficiency through improved irrigation, climate-smart practices, and better access to inputs.
A key focus area is the integration of smallholder farmers into commercial value chains. Many communal farmers lack access to quality seeds, finance, and markets. The NAB intends to establish one-stop farmer support centres, develop tailored training programs, and facilitate links to processors and exporters. “To integrate smallholder farmers into mainstream commercial crop production is not just an objective—it is a necessity for inclusive growth,” the plan states.
Infrastructure development also features prominently. Namibia’s limited storage and processing capacity has long been a bottleneck. The strategy proposes addressing this through public-private partnerships, including a feasibility study for a fertiliser blending plant in Walvis Bay and the revitalisation of fresh produce hubs. Additionally, the board will promote the use of silo certification and crop insurance to de-risk farming and improve access to finance.
On the regulatory front, the NAB is strengthening its inspection and certification systems to meet international standards. Border controls, farm audits, and food safety checks will be enhanced to ensure that Namibian products are competitive and safe. The board also plans to harmonise phytosanitary standards with regional trade partners, simplifying export procedures and reducing non-tariff barriers.
Research and development will play a pivotal role. The NAB has committed to implementing an annual research agenda focused on crop productivity, drought tolerance, and post-harvest technologies. By updating enterprise budgets and disseminating timely market intelligence, the board hopes to empower farmers with data-driven decision-making tools.
Dr. Fidelis N. Mwazi, Chief Executive Officer of the NAB, highlighted the importance of learning from past cycles. “The previous strategic plan laid a strong foundation. This new plan builds on that experience, incorporating performance reviews and stakeholder feedback to ensure we remain adaptive and effective,” he noted.
The estimated budget for the five-year plan runs into hundreds of millions of Namibian dollars, with significant allocations for infrastructure, training, technology, and market promotion. Funding will come from levies, government support, and third-stream income, managed under strict financial controls and performance monitoring frameworks.
If successfully implemented, the plan could significantly enhance Namibia’s food security, create jobs, and elevate the country’s status as a reliable supplier of high-value crops such as table grapes, onions, and drought-resistant grains. It also aligns with national development frameworks such as the Harambee Prosperity Plan II and the National Development Plan 5, ensuring that agricultural growth contributes broadly to economic transformation.
As Namibia faces the dual challenges of climate variability and global market fluctuations, the NAB’s 2025–2030 strategy represents a proactive and holistic approach to agricultural development. It is a vision of a Namibia that not only feeds itself but also thrives as an export-oriented agro-economy. The journey ahead demands commitment, innovation, and partnership—but the seeds of transformation have been sown.