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Wednesday, 21 October 2026
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Wednesday, 21 October 2026
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Namibian press · Person

Inge Zaamwani

Also known as: Minister Inge Zaamwani · minister Zaamwani · minister of agriculture, fisheries, water and Land reform Inge Zaamwani · Inge I. Zaamwani · Ms. Inge I. Zaamwani · agriculture minister Inge Zaamwani · agriculture minister Inge Zamwaani · Minister of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform Inge Zaamwani · land reformist Inge Zaamwani · Fisheries minister Inge Zaamwani · Honourable Inge Zaamwani · Hon. Inge I. Zaamwani · Agriculture, fisheries, water and land reform minister Inge Zaamwani · Honourable Inge I. Zaamwani

Agriculture and Land Reform Minister directing government response to foot-and-mouth disease outbreak and land reform audit implementation.

2026-01-072026-10-21

News reports

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  1. March 2026
  2. New Era

    Inge Zaamwani highlighted the progress made in improving water access nationwide during her budget presentation.

    Source

    “Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform Inge Zaamwani highlighted the progress made in improving water access nationwide during her budget presentation in Parliament on 8 May 2025.”

    From marginalisation to modernisation … Namibia’s ongoing rural transformation
  3. New Era

    Agriculture minister Inge Zamwaani highlighted investments reduced distance rural families travel to access water

    Source

    “"These investments have significantly reduced the distance rural families travel to access water and have contributed to improved living conditions. To strengthen water availability for livestock and rural communities, the ministry completed three earth dams in the current financial year, namely Mbone and Hameyi in Kavango West and Oshekaka in Oshana region," agriculture minister Inge Zamwaani highlighted.”

    Govt expands rural water supply …94 new boreholes, 137 water units
  4. New Era

    Minister Inge Zaamwani said consultations were aimed at ensuring employers and employees understand obligations

    Source

    “Speaking on the sidelines of the engagements, Zaamwani said the consultations were aimed at ensuring both employers and employees understand their respective obligations before new agreements are signed.”

    Re-employment of over 200 fired fishermen
  5. New Era

    Zaamwani stressed that companies have been requested to submit signed employee contracts by next week

    Source

    “Zaamwani stressed that companies have been requested to submit signed employee contracts by next week, which will then enable government to sign the designation agreements and release the corresponding fishing quotas.”

    Re-employment of over 200 fired fishermen
  6. Informanté

    Inge Zaamwani has accepted the role of Chairperson of the Council of Ministers of SASSCAL for two years

    Source

    “THE Minister of Agriculture, Inge Zaamwani, has accepted the role of Chairperson of the Council of Ministers of the Southern African Science Service Centre for Climate Change and Adaptive Land Management (SASSCAL) for the next two years.”

    Zaamwani vows to strengthen SASSCAL governance and regional impact as new chairperson
  7. Informanté

    Zaamwani vowed to focus tenure on advancing SASSCAL's regional expansion and ensuring Council resolutions translate into measurable outcomes

    Source

    “Zaamwani noted that her tenure will focus on advancing SASSCAL's regional expansion agenda, encouraging meaningful dialogue among member states, and ensuring that the Council's resolutions translate into practical and measurable outcomes.”

    Zaamwani vows to strengthen SASSCAL governance and regional impact as new chairperson
  8. Informanté

    Minister Inge Zaamwani met with at least four fishing companies to discuss the Government Employment Redress Programme

    Source

    “MINISTERS Inge Zaamwani and Fillemon Wise Immanuel of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, and Justice and Labour respectively, have recently met with at least four fishing companies to discuss the Government Employment Redress Programme to reintegrate workers into the fishing industry following recent job losses at Walu Fishing.”

    GRN and the fishing sector employers discuss plans to integrate workers
  9. February 2026
  10. Informanté

    Agriculture Minister Inge Zaamwani said the FMD Task Force and Support Fund launch demonstrates Namibia's resilience and unified response to protect livestock

    Source

    “The launch of the FMD Task Force and the FMD Support Fund is essential, given the increased risks posed by regional outbreaks and the changing landscape of livestock production and movement.”

    Agriculture Ministry launches FMD Support Fund and Task Force
  11. Informanté

    Inge Zaamwani has acknowledged challenges faced by veterinary graduates unable to practise due to unregistered status

    Source

    “THE Minister of Agriculture, Inge Zaamwani, has acknowledged the challenges faced by veterinary graduates who are unable to practise due to their unregistered status with the Namibian Veterinary Council, but emphasised that the ministry has implemented measures to support them.”

    Zaamwani outlines interventions to support unregistered veterinary graduates
  12. Informanté

    Inge Zaamwani revealed more than 30 graduates are affected, particularly those who studied outside the country

    Source

    “She revealed that more than 30 graduates are affected, particularly those who studied outside the country.”

    Zaamwani outlines interventions to support unregistered veterinary graduates
Agriculture & Land

Namibia approves grape and aquatic exports to China

The News

China's ambassador to Namibia says Namibia has approved the export of table grapes and wild aquatic products to China, with cooperation strengthened through agricultural science and technology exchanges. The minister of agriculture noted Namibia is shifting toward irrigation and climate-smart farming methods.

10 hours ago · The Namibian →

Today

  1. Namibia approves grape and aquatic exports to China

    China's ambassador to Namibia says Namibia has approved the export of table grapes and wild aquatic products to China, with cooperation strengthened through agricultural science and technology exchanges. The minister of agriculture noted Namibia is shifting toward irrigation and climate-smart farming methods.

    10 hours ago · The Namibian →

Monday 19 October

  1. Zambezi farmers say government FMD response unequal and unfair

    Livestock farmers in the Zambezi region have questioned what they describe as unequal government response to foot-and-mouth disease, saying their longstanding concerns about the disease and difficulties selling cattle have yet to be adequately addressed, and contrasting their experience with the nationwide restrictions that followed an outbreak in the //Kharas region.

    19 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Wednesday 14 October

  1. Lands Tribunal urged to resolve nine pending cases within three months

    Land reform minister Inge Zaamwani has instructed newly appointed Lands Tribunal members to prioritise nine pending cases and conclude them within three months where circumstances permit, to reduce delays in land dispute resolution. Zaamwani emphasised that timely decisions are essential to effective land reform implementation and maintaining public confidence in land administration.

    14 October 2026 · New Era →

Tuesday 13 October

  1. Veterinary directorate left N$13.13m unspent in 2024/25

    The agriculture ministry's Directorate of Veterinary Services failed to spend more than N$13 million of its N$431.4 million budget during the 2024/25 financial year, spending only N$418.3 million. The underspend was attributed to delays in advertising vacancies, appointing new recruits, procurement delays, late tender awards, and incomplete capital projects — coming as Namibia faces foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks across two regions.

    13 October 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Agriculture minister assesses FMD control operations in Karasburg

    Agriculture Minister Inge Zaamwani visited Karasburg Veterinary District to inspect Foot-and-Mouth Disease control efforts, commending teams working at roadblocks and calling for additional support and night enforcement. The ministry confirmed construction of a veterinary cordon fence along the Orange River has commenced with completion expected in four months, and containment-zone fence work expected to begin this week.

    13 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  3. Agriculture minister satisfied with FMD response in Karasburg

    Agriculture minister Inge Zaamwani expressed satisfaction with ongoing Foot-and-Mouth Disease response operations in the Karasburg Veterinary District.

    13 October 2026 · Namibian Sun →

Monday 12 October

  1. Meatco places 400 production workers on three-week paid leave

    Meatco has sent roughly 400 production workers on three weeks' special leave with full pay from 1 to 23 October in response to the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in the ||Kharas region, with a review of the situation scheduled for 23 October.

    12 October 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 11 October

  1. FMD fence construction begins in ||Kharas region

    Construction of a veterinary cordon fence along the Orange River in ||Kharas has started to control a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak that has affected 17 farms since last month; the fence is expected to be completed within four months, and a separate containment zone fence construction is expected to begin this week.

    11 October 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Farmer denies responsibility for FMD outbreak in Namibia

    Adriaan Louw, a commercial farmer whose mother's farm at Graswater in ||Kharas was the first to detect foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) last month, denies allegations that he smuggled livestock into Namibia or illegally vaccinated animals. The outbreak is Namibia's first in the primary commercial livestock zone in 60 years, and as of 5 October had reached 127 cases across 15 farms.

    11 October 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. High Court approves emergency tender for FMD border fence

    Namibia's High Court has approved the government's emergency procurement process for a veterinary cordon fence on the southern border intended to protect against foot-and-mouth disease, while criticising the Central Procurement Board's handling of the original tender that was abruptly switched to a new contractor in September.

    11 October 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 9 October

  1. Minister welcomes four new Land Reform Advisory Commission members

    Minister of Agriculture Inge Zaamwani welcomed four newly appointed members to the Land Reform Advisory Commission on 8 October 2026, bringing the total to sixteen commissioners whose appointments run until 30 April 2029. The Minister called for a review of Namibia's land resettlement model to address systemic challenges in land reform implementation.

    9 October 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Agriculture minister orders audit of resettlement farms

    Agriculture minister Inge Zaamwani has ordered an audit of all farms acquired by the government over the past five years to establish allocation, usage, and rehabilitation needs. The audit will also count how many people have been resettled and how many farms remain unallocated.

    9 October 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Land reform audit to assess beneficiary resettlement and farm productivity

    Agriculture Minister Inge Zaamwani has ordered a five-year performance audit of farms acquired under Namibia's land reform programme to determine how many beneficiaries have been resettled, whether farms are being productively utilised, and what challenges need addressing. The Land Reform Advisory Commission has been tasked with establishing how many farms were acquired, how many people were resettled, farm productivity levels, and reviewing whether the current resettlement model can accommodate more people.

    9 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  4. Land reform audit must lead to government action, opinion piece argues

    An opinion piece welcomes Agriculture Minister Inge Zaamwani's order for a five-year performance audit of farms under Namibia's land reform programme, but argues the real test will be whether government acts on the audit's findings rather than simply producing another report.

    9 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Thursday 8 October

  1. FMD meat safe for human consumption, experts confirm

    Meat from animals infected with foot-and-mouth disease can be safely consumed by people, as FMD does not spread to humans. Namibia's current outbreak, confirmed in the ||Kharas region and now affecting 15 farms, is an animal health emergency with economic impact, not a human health risk.

    8 October 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Government opts for vaccination over culling for FMD outbreak

    Agriculture minister Inge Zaamwani confirmed the government will vaccinate rather than cull cattle affected by foot-and-mouth disease, as the effective window for culling (24 to 48 hours after detection) has passed. The response will involve cordoning the affected area and a vaccination campaign, with 100,000 doses already available.

    8 October 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Kapana sellers seek government relief amid FMD outbreak

    Informal meat traders selling kapana at Single Quarters in Katutura are calling for government financial assistance as business declines due to Namibia's Foot-and-Mouth Disease outbreak and resulting livestock movement restrictions. Some vendors have proposed a relief allowance of at least N$700 per month to help affected workers survive the outbreak.

    8 October 2026 · New Era →

  4. National Assembly resumes fourth session with multiple policy updates

    The National Assembly resumed its fourth session of the eighth Parliament on Tuesday, with updates on medical laboratory students receiving psychosocial support and alternative study options through NUST and NSFAF, discussion of judicial reforms including a proposed Constitutional Court, plans for South African experts to visit Namibia to discuss reopening livestock auctions suspended after a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, and the Speaker raising concerns about a growing backlog of parliamentary questions.

    8 October 2026 · New Era →

Wednesday 7 October

  1. Government opts for FMD vaccination over culling in Karasburg

    Agriculture Minister Inge Zaamwani told Parliament that Cabinet will vaccinate cattle affected by the Foot-and-Mouth Disease outbreak in Karasburg rather than cull them, citing scientific advice that culling is most effective within 24 to 48 hours of detection. About 100,000 vaccine doses are available, with officials arranging cold storage closer to the affected area.

    7 October 2026 · Informanté →

  2. Government rejects communal land privatisation

    The government has rejected privatisation of communal land, saying it could lead to land concentration among wealthy individuals and increase poverty in rural communities. The agriculture minister said communal land is a state resource held for the benefit of traditional communities and supports procedural land allocation under the Communal Land Reform Act instead.

    7 October 2026 · New Era →

  3. President Nandi-Ndaitwah's UNGA81 trip pursues investment and infrastructure financing

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah attended UNGA81 to promote Namibia's investment opportunities, secure financing for critical infrastructure, and defend the country's interests in the global financial system. The visit produced new investment leads, water-financing discussions, potential education cooperation, and a stronger role in implementing the Pact for the Future, though these remain opportunities for further discussions rather than concluded agreements.

    7 October 2026 · New Era →

Tuesday 6 October

  1. Namibia, South Africa discuss reopening suspended livestock auctions

    South African animal health experts will meet with Namibian officials on Friday to discuss protocols for resuming livestock auctions suspended after a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak. Agriculture minister Inge Zaamwani said the government will focus on containing the outbreak in Karasburg before gradually reopening trade with South Africa.

    6 October 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. FMD testing covers more than 25,000 livestock in Karasburg outbreak

    Namibia has tested more than 27,000 livestock for foot-and-mouth disease in Karasburg district, with 127 animals showing clinical signs. The government plans to build a containment zone and undertake vaccination before gradually reopening livestock trading, pending consultations with South African authorities.

    6 October 2026 · Namibian Sun →

  3. FMD auctions could resume after outbreak contained

    Agriculture Minister Inge Zaamwani told Parliament that auctions in Namibia could gradually resume once the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak is contained within the Karasburg district. The ministry is assessing the situation, working to establish a containment zone, vaccinate animals, and consulting with South African authorities on protocols for resuming auction trading.

    6 October 2026 · Informanté →

  4. EU suspends Namibian beef, sheep, and goat meat imports

    The European Union has suspended imports of fresh beef, sheep, and goat meat and related products from Namibia's FMD-free zone following confirmation of 79 new foot-and-mouth disease cases across 11 farms in the ||Kharas region. The World Organisation for Animal Health has revoked Namibia's FMD-free zone status.

    6 October 2026 · New Era →

  5. Namibia supports global ocean alliance for climate adaptation

    Namibia is backing a proposed "Ocean Eye" alliance to help countries share scientific information and early warnings as climate change threatens marine resources. According to Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform Minister Inge Zaamwani, the initiative would enable governments to make better decisions about ocean management and protection, noting that Namibia has already experienced declining biomass and reduced harvests due to warmer waters and declining oxygen levels.

    6 October 2026 · New Era →

Monday 5 October

  1. FMD outbreak forces butcheries to close and place workers on leave

    Nearly two weeks into Namibia's foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, butcheries and meat suppliers are running out of stock and placing workers on leave as restrictions including no slaughtering in ||Kharas and no livestock movement across the country take effect. FMD cases in ||Kharas have increased to 79, confirmed on 11 farms.

    5 October 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Namibia needs N$200m to contain ongoing FMD outbreak

    Namibia requires approximately N$200 million to strengthen its Foot-and-Mouth Disease containment response, including N$47 million for a 290km disease-control fence. The country has recorded 79 new FMD cases across 11 farms in the Karasburg Veterinary District, with the virus strain identified as SAT-1.

    5 October 2026 · New Era →

  3. FMD outbreak requires coordinated national response, not individual action

    Namibia's Foot-and-Mouth Disease outbreak, with 79 positive samples from 11 farms in //Kharas as of 2 October, demands coordinated veterinary response rather than independent farmer action, as the country's livestock-export reputation is a national asset at stake.

    5 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  4. Government warns farmers against independent FMD vaccination efforts

    Farmers in the //Kharas Region have been warned against independently vaccinating livestock or carrying out other disease-control measures as the government contains a Foot-and-Mouth Disease outbreak that has recorded 79 positive samples across 11 farms. The government plans to introduce vaccination of eligible livestock within the designated containment zone, alongside targeted culling, intensified surveillance, and strict movement controls.

    5 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Inge Zaamwani — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute