Namibia hosts agriculture conference to boost investment and food security

The inaugural Agriculture Investment Conference & Expo in Windhoek has brought together government officials, farmers, and financial institutions to discuss modernizing Namibia’s agricultural sector. The event focuses on increasing local production, strengthening food processing value chains, and improving water security to reduce the nation's heavy reliance on food imports.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture Ruthy Masake stated that the government aims to achieve 80% food self-sufficiency by 2030. Currently, Namibia imports approximately 60% of its food requirements. Masake noted that reducing imports could save the country up to N$2 billion annually, funds that could be reinvested into the agricultural sector.

Stakeholders also addressed significant challenges, including recurring droughts, rising temperatures, and livestock disease outbreaks such as foot-and-mouth disease. Agribank CEO Robert Eiman emphasized the need for long-term investment and national preparedness to build a resilient agricultural economy that moves beyond mere crisis management.