Staff Reporter
PRESIDENT Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called for Namibia’s fisheries sector to deliver greater economic value, sustainable employment and tangible benefits to the wider population, while stressing the need for transparency and accountability in the management of the country’s marine resources.
Speaking at the 2026 National Fisheries Indaba, Nandi-Ndaitwah described the fisheries sector as a vital and strategic pillar of the national economy and urged the industry to broaden its economic contribution through increased value addition and local processing.
She emphasised the importance of landing catches locally to strengthen domestic processing, create employment and expand opportunities along the fisheries value chain.
The President also called on the industry to create sustainable opportunities for Namibian youth, saying the sector should contribute more meaningfully to entrepreneurship and economic diversification.
Drawing on the momentum created by the National Youth Fund, Nandi-Ndaitwah encouraged financial institutions to make capital more accessible to support young entrepreneurs and broaden participation in the economy.
She further called for total honesty, transparency and accountability across Government and the fisheries industry, stressing that access to Namibia’s marine resources comes with corresponding responsibilities.
Nandi-Ndaitwah said Government must rigorously assess performance and compliance when allocating fishing quotas going forward.
She said access to the country’s marine resources should reward those who demonstrate a meaningful contribution to Namibia’s development.
The President’s remarks placed greater value addition, youth opportunities, local processing and responsible resource management at the centre of efforts to strengthen the fisheries sector’s contribution to the national economy.
Photo: Namibian Presidency
