Namibia’s horticultural sector demonstrated resilience and growth in the fourth quarter of 2024, with grape exports leading the charge. According to recent data, the country exported horticultural products valued at N$1,396.1 million during this period, marking a 3.3 percent increase compared to the N$1,352.1 million recorded in the same quarter of 2023. Grapes emerged as the top-performing export commodity, contributing N$1,293.6 million to the total export value. Tomatoes and watermelons followed, with export values of N$23.2 million and N$17.2 million, respectively.
The Netherlands remained Namibia’s primary export destination for horticultural products, accounting for 36.6 percent of total exports. The United Kingdom and Germany followed, contributing 23.8 percent and 9.3 percent, respectively. This strong international demand for Namibian horticultural products underscores the country’s growing reputation as a reliable supplier of high-quality agricultural goods.
On the import side, Namibia’s horticulture import bill for the fourth quarter of 2024 stood at N$328.7 million, reflecting a slight decline from the N$338.1 million recorded in the corresponding quarter of 2023. Potatoes were the most imported horticultural product, valued at N$47.3 million, followed by apples (N$34.8 million), tea leaves (N$14.8 million), vegetable seeds (N$14.6 million), and bananas (N$13.4 million). South Africa remained the dominant source of horticultural imports, accounting for 95.7 percent of the total import value during the quarter.
The agronomy sector, however, faced challenges during the same period. Total agronomy production in the fourth quarter of 2024 plummeted to 4,758 tons, a significant 74.9 percent decline compared to the 18,928 tons recorded in the corresponding quarter of 2023. This sharp drop was primarily attributed to reduced production of wheat and millet, which saw negative growth rates of 83.7 percent and 45.0 percent, respectively. In contrast, white maize production increased by 77.9 percent, reaching 1,819 tons compared to 1,023 tons in the same quarter of 2023.
Despite the decline in production, agronomy exports showed positive growth, with total export earnings reaching N$855.2 thousand, up from N$610.2 thousand in the same quarter of 2023. Maize was the sole contributor to these earnings, with all exports destined for Angola. On the import front, cereal grain imports surged to N$862.9 million, a significant increase from N$519.9 million in the corresponding quarter of 2023. Maize, wheat, and rice were the primary imported grains, sourced mainly from South Africa, Lithuania, and the United States.
The Namibian Agronomic Board (NAB) continues to play a pivotal role in regulating the sector through import restrictions and market share promotion schemes. These measures ensure that domestic producers have access to secure markets by restricting imports when local supply is sufficient and mandating buyers to source a percentage of their demand locally before obtaining import permits. Such efforts are critical in supporting local farmers and fostering sustainable growth in Namibia’s agricultural sector.
Overall, the fourth quarter of 2024 highlighted the strength of Namibia’s horticultural exports, particularly grapes, while underscoring the challenges faced by the agronomy sector. The government’s ongoing efforts to balance import regulations with market promotion schemes remain vital in safeguarding the interests of local producers and sustaining the country’s agricultural economy.