Namibia expands agricultural trade with Zimbabwe amid poultry import reliance

Namibia is seeking to expand agricultural trade and production partnerships with Zimbabwe following a rise in exports to the neighboring country, which reached US$46.34 million in 2025. This growth has resulted in a bilateral trade deficit for Zimbabwe of approximately US$41 million. To support these efforts, the Agro-Marketing and Trade Agency (AMTA) noted that increased domestic production of white maize and pearl millet, aided by mechanization and subsidies, is strengthening Namibia’s agricultural capacity. Namibia’s national strategic food reserve currently holds a capacity of 22,900 metric tonnes.

In the poultry sector, Namibia remains heavily dependent on imports to meet domestic demand. In August, poultry imports were valued at approximately N$53.44 million, while exports totaled N$49 million, resulting in a trade deficit of N$4.4 million. Data from the Namibia Statistics Agency indicates that a significant portion of poultry exports consists of re-exports, with Brazil, South Africa, and the United States serving as the primary sources of imports. While poultry trade volumes declined from July to August, the figures highlight ongoing challenges regarding local production capacity and the need to strengthen the domestic agricultural value chain.