Namibia Minute.
Monday, 8 June 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Monday, 8 June 2026
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Namibian press · Organization

Agribank

Agribank — Namibian agricultural financing institution offering loans, technical advisory, and arrears relief to farmers and agribusinesses.

2022-04-142026-06-08

What’s been said

Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.

  1. May 2026
  2. Namibian Sun

    Agribank has invested nearly N$50,000 in irrigation equipment and farming materials for horticulture projects

    Source

    Agribank has invested nearly N$50 000 in irrigation equipment and farming materials for two horticulture proje...

    Agribank injects N$50 000 into Kavango horticulture projects
  3. New Era

    Agribank acting CEO and CFO Abel Akayombokwa visited a mixed farming project in Gidunguri, Kenya

    Source

    The farm tour brought together Namibian agricultural stakeholders, including Agribank acting chief executive officer and chief financial officer Abel Akayombokwa, Kalahari Holdings chief executive officer Etuna Nashima and Namibia's honorary consul to Kenya, Mwangi Ali, as well as diplomats from the international relations and trade ministry.

    A lesson from Kenya … cooperative farming success inspires Nam farmers
  4. April 2026
  5. The Namibian

    Agribank should not become more commercial than agricultural

    Source

    We shouldn't just make it an agriculture and commercial bank, because you might end up becoming more commercial than agricultural, and then the agriculture part will suffer.

    President tackles Sona grilling on oil, land
  6. The Namibian

    Agribank appointed Abel Akayombokwa as acting chief executive until 30 June

    Source

    In the meantime, the Agribank board has appointed chief financial officer Abel Akayombokwa as acting chief executive until 30 June.

    Eiman appointed new Agribank boss
  7. March 2026
  8. New Era

    Agribank provides financing for agriculture including food security and economic transformation

    Source

    She said that the allocations to agriculture should be viewed holistically, including financing through Agribank and other programmes aimed at food security, employment, and economic transformation.

    Shafudah responds to budget critique
  9. February 2026
  10. Informanté

    Agribank has begun implementing its Arrears Relief Programme from 2 February 2026

    Source

    AGRIBANK has begun implementing its Arrears Relief Programme from 2 February 2026, offering struggling clients relief on overdue loan accounts through the write-off of penalty interest and structured repayment plans, while strengthening the bank's loan recovery efforts.

    Agribank launches loan arrears relief drive
  11. New Era

    Agribank announced immediate moratorium on salary-backed loans for government employees

    Source

    Agribank recently announced an immediate moratorium on salary-backed loans for government employees, citing the termination of services with Avril Payment Solutions.

    Financial advisor bemoans lack of PDMS replacement
  12. New Era

    Agribank officially began implementation of Arrears Relief Programme

    Source

    The implementation of Agribank's Arrears Relief Programme officially began yesterday and will provide much-needed assistance to hundreds of farmers who have fallen behind on their loan repayments.

    Agribank’s  debt  relief throws  farmers  lifeline …strategic  alliance  with  AMTA  hailed
  13. New Era

    Agribank entered into a strategic agreement with the Agro-Marketing and Trade Agency

    Source

    Late last year, Agribank entered into a strategic agreement with the Agro-Marketing and Trade Agency (AMTA), under which the two institutions will collaborate to strengthen and expand collaboration in the agricultural sector, particularly by supporting small-scale farmers without market access and through capacity-building initiatives.

    Agribank’s  debt  relief throws  farmers  lifeline …strategic  alliance  with  AMTA  hailed
  14. January 2026
  15. New Era

    Agribank assessed 5,070 agricultural proposals during pilot phase

    Source

    Of these, 6 111 projects were assessed by the Development Bank of Namibia (DBN), 5 070 agricultural proposals by Agribank and 294 eco-friendly projects by the Environmental Investment Fund (EIF).

    Youth fund has no closing date – Ministry … apply any time

Thursday 21 May

  1. Agribank invests N$50,000 in Kavango horticulture projects

    Agribank has invested nearly N$50,000 in irrigation equipment and farming materials for two horticulture projects to boost rural food production and community agriculture.

    21 May 2026 · Namibian Sun

Wednesday 20 May

  1. Namibian farmers study Kenya cooperative model

    A Namibian delegation of farmers and agricultural leaders visited Kenya to observe mixed farming and cooperative practices, including a zero-grazing dairy system, as a potential model to address rural poverty, unemployment, and food insecurity in Namibia.

    20 May 2026 · New Era

Tuesday 14 April

  1. Rainy season brings livestock disease risks to Namibian farmers

    A technical advisor from Agribank warns that while rainfall is essential, wet conditions during the rainy season increase livestock disease risks including footrot, sweating sickness, gall sickness, and lumpy skin disease, and recommends farmers implement preventive measures such as vaccination and proper herd management.

    14 April 2026 · New Era

Sunday 12 April

  1. President addresses parliament on oil, land, wealth fund

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah answered questions from opposition MPs on the Welwitschia Sovereign Wealth Fund, land delivery, Germany's genocide reparations deal, the veterinary cordon fence, and various economic and governance matters during parliament on Wednesday.

    12 April 2026 · The Namibian

Tuesday 7 April

  1. Organisational structure critical for agribusiness success

    According to Agribank's technical advisor, a well-designed organisational structure in agribusiness improves decision-making, efficiency, job clarity, and financial management while supporting succession planning and sustainable growth. The article outlines how clear roles, reporting lines, and span of control help agribusinesses reduce bottlenecks, align operations with strategic goals, and strengthen their ability to secure funding.

    7 April 2026 · New Era

Sunday 5 April

  1. Postfin CEO Robert Eiman appointed Agribank leader

    Robert Eiman, chief executive of Nampost Financial Brokers, has been appointed as the new chief executive of Agribank effective 1 July, succeeding Raphael Karuaihe who retired in March.

    5 April 2026 · The Namibian

Tuesday 31 March

  1. Step-by-step guide to growing tomatoes successfully

    Agribank's technical adviser outlines best practices for tomato production, covering crop variety selection, soil preparation, spacing, irrigation schedules, fertilisation, pest management, and staking requirements across a 90–120 day growing cycle.

    31 March 2026 · New Era

Thursday 26 March

  1. Finance Minister defends 2026/27 budget against parliamentary concerns

    Finance Minister Ericah Shafudah defended the N$104 billion 2026/27 budget, stating it balances fiscal consolidation with economic support without introducing broad-based tax increases. She addressed parliamentary concerns about taxation, public debt levels, and sectoral allocations, emphasizing that development spending extends beyond the official figures and that agricultural financing should be viewed holistically including through Agribank.

    26 March 2026 · New Era

Tuesday 24 March

  1. Monoculture farming damages soil and invites pests

    Monoculture — repeatedly growing the same crop on the same land — offers efficiency gains but damages soil structure, depletes nutrients, and allows pests and diseases to thrive. Experts recommend crop rotation and incorporating legumes to restore soil health and reduce vulnerability to pest outbreaks.

    24 March 2026 · New Era

Monday 9 March

  1. President meets SWANU leaders on land, genocide, agriculture

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah held consultations with South West Africa National Union (SWANU) at State House to discuss national issues including land reform, genocide negotiations, agriculture financing, and water challenges facing farmers. The meeting was part of ongoing efforts to strengthen engagement with political parties represented in the National Assembly.

    9 March 2026 · Informanté

Tuesday 3 March

  1. Driest January since 1981 prompts proactive farming strategies

    Namibia's Meteorological Services reported the driest January since 1981, with uneven rainfall posing risks to livestock and crop production. The article urges farmers to take early action—such as selling vulnerable animals and securing irrigation—and calls on policymakers to support export abattoirs, subsidize irrigation systems, and strengthen border security against foot-and-mouth disease.

    3 March 2026 · New Era

Wednesday 18 February

  1. Kunene farmer grows herd from seven to ninety goats

    Ingrid Heigan, a single mother in Tsaurob, Kunene, built her goat herd from seven animals to over 90 through hard work and a livestock support programme (IREMA) run by the Environmental Investment Fund in partnership with the agriculture ministry, which has benefited an estimated 68,600 people in drought-prone areas.

    18 February 2026 · New Era

Tuesday 17 February

  1. Foot-and-mouth disease threatens Namibia's livestock exports

    With FMD spreading in neighbouring South Africa and Botswana, Namibia's livestock industry—valued at N$6–15 billion and heavily reliant on exports—faces an imminent threat. An outbreak could devastate export markets, employment, food prices, and government budgets across multiple economic sectors.

    17 February 2026 · New Era

Wednesday 4 February

  1. Agribank launches loan arrears relief programme for struggling clients

    Agribank is implementing an Arrears Relief Programme from February 2026 for clients with overdue accounts, offering 100% write-off of penalty interest, de-listing from credit bureaus, and structured repayment plans over up to 60 months. Eligible clients in pre-legal status must pay at least 20% of arrears, while those in legal status must pay 25%, with the remaining balance ring-fenced and charged no further interest.

    4 February 2026 · Informanté

Tuesday 3 February

  1. Agribank Arrears Relief Programme opens for struggling farmers

    Agribank's Arrears Relief Programme, launched in September 2025, began implementation and offers farmers with overdue loans a 100% write-off of penalty interest plus the option to repay remaining arrears over up to 60 months, subject to paying at least 20–25% of arrear balances upfront. The bank has also entered into a strategic alliance with the Agro-Marketing and Trade Agency to support small-scale farmers, expand market access, and promote value-added agricultural projects.

    3 February 2026 · New Era

  2. Expert advises aspiring farmers on key mistakes to avoid

    Agribank's technical advisor Hanks Saisai outlines crucial errors for new farmers to avoid, including prioritising infrastructure over home construction, starting at small scale, targeting specific markets, hiring qualified personnel, and viewing farming as a long-term investment requiring patience and disciplined financial management rather than a quick-profit scheme.

    3 February 2026 · New Era

  3. Financial advisor warns of PDMS shutdown risks to civil servants

    A senior accounting advisor has criticised the government's discontinuation of the Payroll Deduction Management System (PDMS) as of November 2025, calling the proposed "PDMS Helpdesk" replacement a step backwards that relies on manual processes rather than digital automation for managing civil servants' financial deductions. The Finance Ministry has stated the shutdown aims to address over-indebtedness among government employees and suggests the Enhanced Debit Order (EnDo) platform as an alternative, though financial institutions have already begun restricting salary-backed loans in response.

    3 February 2026 · New Era

  4. DBN approves N$15m in youth enterprise funding

    The Development Bank of Namibia has approved approximately N$15 million through the National Youth Development Fund to support 46 youth-owned enterprises aged 18 to 45, with collateral-free financing ranging from N$60,000 to over N$1 million at interest rates of 2–4% per annum. The Fund, launched in September 2024, continues to accept applications on a rolling basis through regional governors and participating development finance institutions.

    3 February 2026 · New Era

  5. Youth fund approves N$14.9m for 30 businesses

    The National Youth Development Fund has approved N$14.9 million in financing for 30 businesses and expects to create 147 jobs. The fund, launched in September 2025 with N$500 million allocated, offers collateral-free loans at 2% to 4% interest to young Namibians aged 18 to 45 to boost entrepreneurship and reduce youth unemployment.

    3 February 2026 · The Namibian

Sunday 1 February

  1. Youth fund approves N$14.9m for 46 young entrepreneurs

    The National Youth Development Fund has approved N$14.9 million in financing for 46 youth-owned businesses through the Development Bank of Namibia, with about 40 additional applications under assessment. The fund, a N$500 million initiative supporting Namibians aged 18–35, offers loans from N$60,000 to N$1 million at interest rates from 2%, with no collateral required.

    1 February 2026 · The Namibian

Tuesday 27 January

  1. Mulching practice conserves water in Namibian farming

    Mulching—covering soil between crops with a layer of material—is an efficient water conservation technique for arid regions like Namibia. It reduces evaporation, cuts watering frequency, prevents weeds, regulates soil temperature, and can provide nutrients when organic materials are used.

    27 January 2026 · New Era

Monday 26 January

  1. Deputy minister urges youth toward modern, value-driven agriculture

    Deputy agriculture minister Ruthy Masake told young Namibians at an Oniipa engagement that the future of agriculture rests in their hands, urging them to embrace modern farming practices and access low-interest loans through the National Youth Development Fund launched in September 2025. Legislator Willem Amutenya stressed the need to commercialise production on communal land and secure reliable markets for northern region produce.

    26 January 2026 · New Era

Saturday 24 January

  1. Deputy Minister urges Oshikoto youth to pursue agricultural opportunities

    Namibia's Deputy Minister of Agriculture has encouraged young people in Oshikoto Region to engage in farming and livestock enterprises, highlighting the region's fertile soils, rainfall, and labour advantages. She detailed government support mechanisms including the National Youth Development Fund, which offers collateral-free loans at 2–4% interest for agricultural ventures targeting youth aged 18–45, along with backing from the Development Bank of Namibia and Agribank.

    24 January 2026 · Informanté

Tuesday 20 January

  1. Key success factors for chicken farming in Namibia

    Housing, feed composition, and production systems are critical to success in chicken farming. Farmers must maintain proper stocking densities, provide appropriate nutrition for different chicken types, and choose a production system (free-range, semi-intensive, or intensive) suited to their resources and goals.

    20 January 2026 · New Era

  2. National Youth Development Fund now accepts applications year-round

    The Ministry of Finance has removed the closing date for the National Youth Development Fund, which now accepts applications on an ongoing basis due to high interest. Successful applicants will be announced monthly, and the fund provides loans at 2–4% interest to youth-owned businesses, startups, and innovative projects in priority sectors including agriculture and green energy.

    20 January 2026 · New Era

Thursday 15 January

  1. Deputy minister urges Zambezi youth to lead agricultural transformation

    Deputy Agriculture Minister Ruth Masake called on young people in the Zambezi region to become partners, producers, and leaders in Namibia's economic transformation through agriculture, fisheries, and natural resources, which have been prioritised under the Sixth National Development Plan for job creation and export growth. She highlighted available support including the National Youth Development Fund and financing options from the Development Bank of Namibia and Agribank, and described the region's strategic advantages in water resources, fertile land, and cross-border markets.

    15 January 2026 · New Era

Tuesday 13 January

  1. Rainy season offers farmers multiple productivity-boosting strategies

    Namibia's rainy season presents opportunities for farmers to enhance agricultural productivity through rangeland re-seeding, rainwater harvesting, and fruit tree planting, which can improve food security, livestock quality, and rural incomes. According to Agribank's technical advisor, effective moisture use and practices like introducing perennial grasses and collecting water in earth dams can significantly reduce crop failure and support household food security.

    13 January 2026 · New Era

Agribank — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute