Namibia renews efforts to reduce food imports

Namibia, through its Agronomic Board (NAB), has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling the high levels of food imports, particularly for staple crops such as white maize, wheat, and pearl millet (mahangu). The country aims to achieve greater self-sufficiency in its agricultural sector despite challenging climatic conditions that limit production.

The NAB recently launched its Integrated Strategic Business Plan for 2025–2030, outlining a clear roadmap to strengthen the agronomic and horticultural sectors. The plan includes an investment of N$250 million over the next five years to develop crop value chains, targeting 60% grain self-sufficiency, 60% growth in horticulture exports, and a 97% compliance rate with regulatory standards.

According to the NAB’s latest Grain Market Report for 2023/24, Namibia imported 100% of its white maize from South Africa, while wheat was sourced from Poland (47%), Latvia (43%), South Africa (8%), and Lithuania (2%). Production of mahangu, a traditional staple, also saw a sharp decline, with 2,245 tons imported, mostly from Angola (90%) and India (10%), while only 382 tons were procured locally. Overall grain production dropped by 31% due to below-average rainfall and poor yields.

Despite contributing 7% to Namibia’s GDP and providing 30% of employment, the agricultural sector remains heavily reliant on imports, which account for 70% of grain needs. In 2023/24, only 20% of grain demand (87,498 tons) was met locally, while imports supplied 345,262 tons. In the first half of 2024, Namibia imported 105,775 tons of white maize, 86,655 tons of wheat, and 2,245 tons of mahangu to address local shortages.

Tags: wheat, Namibia, corn