Namibia seeks stronger donor backing to fast-track agri-food transformation

Sostenus Wilherm

The Namibian government has called on development partners to align their financial and technical support with the country’s Strategy for the Transformation of the Agri-food Sector (STAS), warning that delays in implementation could undermine efforts to strengthen food security, create jobs and build resilience against climate-related shocks.

Speaking at the STAS Development Partners Network meeting in Windhoek on Monday, minister of agriculture, fisheries, water and land reform Inge Zaamwani said the country had entered the most critical stage of the strategy, where planning must give way to implementation through coordinated investment and clearly defined programmes.

“Following the launch of the STAS and the establishment of its governance and coordination structures, we are now entering the next critical phase of this journey, which is translating the Strategy into a coherent programme with clearly defined priorities, work streams and investment packages,” Zaamwani said.

She stressed that while the government remains committed to the strategy, transforming Namibia’s agri-food sector cannot be achieved by the state alone.