All hands on deck: Nandi-Ndaitwah, Witbooi, Ngurare and Zamwaani chart a new course for Namibia’s fishing industry

In a political climate often defined by distance between policymakers and the sectors they regulate, the Namibian government’s decision to dispatch its most senior leadership to the coast for direct consultations with the fishing industry stands out as both rare and commendable. It’s unprecedented. The presence of Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Lucia Witbooi, Elijah Ngurare and Inge Zamwaani in one room with industry stakeholders is not merely symbolic; it is a deliberate acknowledgement that the fishing sector, anchored along the cold and productive waters of the Atlantic Ocean, is far too important to be managed through fragmented dialogue or bureaucratic detachment. This two-day engagement sends a clear message: the government of Namibia is listening. And perhaps more importantly, it is willing to engage at the highest level to resolve tensions that have, for years, simmered beneath the surface of one of the country’s most economically significant industries. The importance of this sector cannot be overstated. Fisheries contribute between 3% and 5% to Namibia’s GDP, placing it among the leading industries outside mining. It is the country’s second-largest export earner, generating over N$10–15 billion annually, driven primarily by high-value species such as hake, horse mackerel, and monkfish. The sector directly employs an estimated 16,000 to 18,000 Namibians, while thousands more depend on it indirectly through processing plants, logistics, and ancillary services. Namibia is also consistently ranked among the world’s top exporters of hake, with strong demand from European markets. All of this is underpinned by the nutrient-rich Benguela Current system, one of the most productive marine ecosystems globally. Against this backdrop, the government’s decision to meet industry players face-to-face is not just welcome; it is necessary. For too long, policy pronouncements and regulatory decisions have been perceived, rightly or wrongly, as disconnected from the lived realities of those operating within the sector. Fishing companies, both large and small, have raised concerns about unpredictability in quota allocations, lack of transparency, and the long-term viability of their operations. On the other hand, government has legitimate concerns about ensuring equitable access, preventing resource exploitation, and safeguarding national interests. This is precisely why this engagement matters. It creates a platform where both sides can move beyond posturing and begin to grapple with the difficult, often uncomfortable truths that define the sector. However, while the initiative deserves praise, it must not become a mere public relations exercise. The true measure of its success will lie in whether it produces tangible outcomes, policy clarity, mutual trust, and a shared vision for the future of the industry. One of the most critical issues that must be addressed is the question of quota allocation. This has long been the fault line within the fishing sector, with accusations of favouritism, lack of transparency, and inefficiencies dominating the discourse. For many operators, quotas are not just a regulatory tool; they are the lifeblood of their businesses. Without certainty and fairness in allocation, investment becomes risky, and growth becomes stunted. Government must use this opportunity to clearly articulate the principles guiding quota allocations. These must be rooted in transparency, fairness, and economic rationality. At the same time, industry players must acknowledge the need for transformation and inclusivity, ensuring that the sector does not remain the preserve of a few entrenched interests. Equally important is the issue of value addition. Namibia has, for years, spoken about moving up the value chain, processing more fish locally, creating jobs, and retaining greater economic benefits within the country. Yet progress has been uneven. This consultation must confront the structural barriers that have hindered value addition, including infrastructure gaps, high operational costs, and regulatory bottlenecks. If Namibia is to fully leverage its marine resources, both government and industry must commit to a shared strategy that prioritises local processing without undermining competitiveness. This will require not only policy alignment but also investment in skills, technology, and infrastructure. Sustainability is another non-negotiable pillar. The very foundation of the fishing industry depends on the health of marine ecosystems. Namibia has, to its credit, been recognised globally for relatively sound fisheries management. But this reputation cannot be taken for granted. Overfishing, illegal activities, and climate-related changes pose real threats to fish stocks. The discussions at the coast must therefore reinforce a commitment to science-based management. Quotas must align with sustainable catch limits, and enforcement mechanisms must be strengthened to prevent illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.