Written by: Badr Ahmed

The President of Namibia affirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the marine fishing sector as one of the main pillars of the national economy, during a meeting she held with representatives of the Federation of Namibian Fisheries Associations to discuss the sustainability of the sector, the challenges it faces and its contribution to economic development.

During the meeting, President Nandi-Ndaitwah stressed the strategic importance of the fishing sector in providing employment opportunities, enhancing food security, and increasing foreign exchange earnings, emphasizing that the government views the fishing industry as a vital sector that contributes to supporting economic growth and improving the living standards of citizens.

Namibia's president affirms support for the fishing sector.

The President called for intensified efforts to expand the National Fish Consumption Initiative, launched by the country's founding president, Sam Nujoma, with the aim of ensuring that all citizens benefit more from Namibia's abundant marine resources and enhancing the role of fish in achieving national food security.

For his part, the president of the Namibian Fisheries Associations Federation, Mati Amokwua, reviewed the sector's contribution to the national economy, emphasizing that it is one of the most important sources of employment and income, and a major contributor to public revenue. He also highlighted the pivotal role the fishing industry plays in supporting the livelihoods of thousands of Namibian families.

The meeting also provided an opportunity to raise a number of challenges facing the sector, with the Federation expressing its concerns about what it described as inconsistencies in some newly introduced policies and a state of regulatory uncertainty, warning that the continuation of these conditions could negatively affect investor confidence and threaten the long-term sustainability of the fisheries industry.

Representatives of the sector also presented a set of proposals aimed at improving the working environment and developing policies regulating fishing, especially in light of the decline in fish stocks in some areas and the need to take measures to ensure the preservation of marine resources for future generations.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Namibian President welcomed the constructive dialogue with representatives of the sector, stressing the government’s commitment to continue consultations with various stakeholders in order to promote the sustainability of the fishing industry, maintain its competitiveness, and support its contribution to the country’s economic and social development.