The Namibian Agronomic Board (NAB), in collaboration with key industry players, hosted a high-level Citrus Stakeholder Engagement in Tsumeb aimed at unlocking the potential of Namibia’s citrus industry and reinforcing efforts to develop a resilient and competitive crop value chain.
The engagement convened representatives from the Local Nurseries Association, Citrus Growers Association, Namibia Association of Horticulture Producers, Namibian Association of Traders in Fresh Produce, citrus exporters, smallholder producers, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Land Reform, NIPDB, the Agricultural Trade Forum, and the Namibian Standards Institution.
Delivering keynote remarks, NAB CEO Dr. Fidelis N. Mwazi announced the Board’s updated vision and mission statements, aligned with its new Integrated Strategic Business Plan (ISBP) and 5-Year Crop Value Chain Development Strategy (CVCDS) 2025–2030.
The revised vision now positions the NAB as: “A globally recognised regulator of a sustainable, agile and innovative agronomy and horticulture sector.” This strategic shift reflects the Board’s commitment to meeting global benchmarks, including ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 17020, and establishing a framework for continuous quality improvement in regulatory services. The revised mission focuses on legislation, facilitation, and research, charting a proactive path for the sector’s advancement.
“When we talk about the citrus industry, we are talking about potential, about jobs, about foreign exchange earnings, and most importantly, about transforming the sector to benefit our farmers and the national economy,” stated Dr. Mwazi.
He further revealed that the NAB will invest N$250 million (N$50 million annually) over the next five years into the development of Namibia’s crop value chain.
Did You Know?
- Most citrus fruits are gazetted as controlled products under the Agronomic Industry Act (Act 20 of 1992).
- Namibia enforces a national citrus quality standard (NAMS 0023:2022) to ensure consistent product quality and market access.
- Citrus ranks as the third most consumed fruit in Namibia, yet 96% is imported, amounting to over N$57.6 million annually.
- Commercial citrus production is concentrated in the Karst, Central, South, and Orange River production zones.
- Approximately 1,783 tons of citrus are expected to be harvested in 2025, with over 150,000 trees planted nationwide.
- 70% of produce is sold through formal markets and 30% through informal channels.
- Primary exports are destined for South Africa and Angola, generating over N$23.9 million in 2024.
- Namibia imports over N$136 million in citrus planting materials annually.
The stakeholder engagement concluded with an insightful tour of the Koedoebos Sitrus Pakhuis packhouse, reinforcing a shared commitment to grow Namibia’s citrus industry and improve its competitiveness. This engagement marks a strategic milestone in the implementation of NAB’s 2025– 2030 ISBP and CVCDS, which prioritise the expansion of high-value crops such as citrus. These efforts are part of a broader drive to integrate smallholder farmers into commercial production, enhance export potential, and boost the sector’s contribution to Namibia’s GDP.