Staff Reporter
THE Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Ruthy Masake, has urged the private sector, traditional authorities and other stakeholders to identify and support bankable agricultural projects, particularly those led by young people.
“No single institution can transform agriculture alone. Government needs farmers. Farmers need financial institutions. SMEs need markets. Communities need development partners. Young entrepreneurs need mentorship and technology. Traditional authorities have an important role to play in supporting community development. The private sector must increasingly become a partner in investment, value addition and market development. I therefore call upon all stakeholders gathered here today to move from dialogue to practical partnerships. Let us identify bankable projects. Let us develop commercially viable agricultural enterprises,” she said.
Masake made these remarks at the official opening of the 2026 Epukiro Business and Agricultural Expo in the Omaheke Region, where she spoke on behalf of the Prime Minister, Dr Tjitunga Elijah Ngurare. The expo was held under the theme, “Repositioning Agriculture and SMEs: From Tradition to Drivers of Wealth and Sustainability.”
Masake said young Namibians have opportunities across the entire agricultural value chain, but stressed that they need access to skills, finance, land, infrastructure and mentorship to participate effectively. She further pointed out that agriculture extends beyond traditional farming to include technology, irrigation, mechanisation, financial services, logistics, processing, marketing, digital platforms, research and innovation.
“The transformation we seek will not be achieved through Government programmes alone. It will be achieved when a farmer increases production; when a young person establishes an agricultural enterprise; when a woman turns a community garden into a sustainable business; when an SME processes a local product; when a financial institution finances a viable rural enterprise; and when communities work together to create economic opportunities. Let us therefore reposition agriculture. Let us reposition our SMEs. Let us reposition our rural communities. And let us reposition the mindset that agriculture is merely subsistence,” Masake said.
She also advocated for stronger farmer organisations, greater use of local procurement and increased investment in processing and value addition.
“Agriculture is business. Agriculture is industry. Agriculture is employment. Agriculture is food security. Agriculture is wealth creation. And agriculture is central to Namibia’s economic transformation,” Masake said.
Photo: Governor of Erongo Region
