Namibia Minute.
Thursday, 23 July 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Thursday, 23 July 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

Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform who oversees agriculture, fisheries, and water infrastructure policies including marine protection targets and resettlement programs.

2026-01-072026-07-23

What’s been said

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

  1. April 2026
  2. New Era

    Zaamwani warned that she wants AgribusDev dissolution fully finalised by June

    Source

    Zaamwani warned yesterday that she wants it fully finalised by June this year.

    Troubled AgribusDev face dissolution
  3. The Namibian

    Minister Inge Zaamwani announced government will formalise trawling prohibition inside 200 metre isobath by September

    Source

    Agriculture, fisheries, water and land reform minister Inge Zaamwani made the announcement yesterday during the ministry's performance review and planning workshop for the 2026/27 financial year.

    Government to formalise 200m trawling ban as industry questions temporary relaxation
  4. The Namibian

    Inge Zaamwani ordered urgent action on water shortages and land servicing challenges in Erongo region

    Source

    Minister of agriculture, fisheries, water and land reform Inge Zaamwani has ordered urgent action on water shortages, delayed responses and land servicing challenges in the Erongo region, citing their direct impact on livelihoods.

    Zaamwani orders officials to fast track water delivery in Erongo
  5. The Namibian

    Inge Zaamwani said Erongo should accelerate desalination plant development and ensure affordability of water

    Source

    "You must accelerate the development of the second desalination plant and ensure that the existing desalination plant supplies water efficiently and sustainably," she said.

    Zaamwani orders officials to fast track water delivery in Erongo
  6. Informanté

    Minister of Agriculture Inge Zaamwani urged Livestock Support Programme team to prioritise cattle distribution to drought-stricken farmers

    Source

    THE Minister of Agriculture, Inge Zaamwani, urged the team behind the Livestock Support Programme to prioritise the distribution of cattle to drought-stricken farmers this year.

    Zaamwani pushes for cattle distribution as priority in drought-stricken areas
  7. Informanté

    Minister Zaamwani stated cattle in Erongo, Kunene, and //Kharas regions have been significantly affected by drought

    Source

    According to Zaamwani, cattle in the Erongo, Kunene, and //Kharas regions have been significantly affected by drought.

    Zaamwani pushes for cattle distribution as priority in drought-stricken areas
  8. The Namibian

    Minister Inge Zaamwani delivered keynote address at Lüderitz Crayfish Festival fundraising gala

    Source

    It is a great honour to join you this evening at the 2026 Lüderitz Crayfish Festival fundraising gala, an event that is far more than a celebration of our rich marine heritage.

    Minister Inge Zaamwani delivers keynote at Lüderitz Crayfish Festival fundraising gala
  9. The Namibian

    Minister Inge Zaamwani is responsible for fisheries and marine resources

    Source

    As minister responsible for fisheries and marine resources, my duty is the sustainable stewardship of our oceans.

    Minister Inge Zaamwani delivers keynote at Lüderitz Crayfish Festival fundraising gala
  10. New Era

    Minister Inge Zaamwani said livestock sector generated over N$2.1 billion in foreign exchange in 2025

    Source

    This was said by the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform Inge Zaamwani, who, during her budget speech in Parliament on Friday, said this reinforces the sector's role as a key economic pillar supporting exports.

    Livestock sector generates N$2.1b
  11. New Era

    Minister Inge Zaamwani informed Parliament government invested in vaccinating over 319,000 cattle against foot-and-mouth disease

    Source

    The minister informed the August House that the government has invested in safeguarding both animal health and export market access, with over 319 000 cattle vaccinated against the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD).

    Livestock sector generates N$2.1b
World & Region

President visits China, signs nine cooperation agreements

The News

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah completed a seven-day state visit to China aimed at persuading the country to help Namibia build manufacturing and processing industries rather than exporting raw minerals. The visit culminated in nine cooperation instruments and elevation of bilateral ties to a Namibia-China Community with a shared future, focusing on long-term development and strategic cooperation.

21 July 2026 · New Era

Tuesday 21 July

  1. President visits China, signs nine cooperation agreements

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah completed a seven-day state visit to China aimed at persuading the country to help Namibia build manufacturing and processing industries rather than exporting raw minerals. The visit culminated in nine cooperation instruments and elevation of bilateral ties to a Namibia-China Community with a shared future, focusing on long-term development and strategic cooperation.

    21 July 2026 · New Era

Friday 17 July

  1. NamWater begins N$219.7 million pipeline replacement project

    NamWater has started construction of the Naute–Keetmanshoop Water Pipeline Replacement Project, valued at N$219,697,642.12 inclusive of VAT and fully funded by the corporation. The existing pipeline has been in service since 1972.

    17 July 2026 · Informanté

Tuesday 14 July

  1. Namibia and China sign grape export protocol

    Namibia's Ministry of Agriculture and China's General Administration of Customs have signed a Protocol establishing phytosanitary requirements for fresh Namibian table grapes to access the Chinese market, with provisions for orchard registration, pest management, facility approval, and compliance checks.

    14 July 2026 · Informanté

Sunday 12 July

  1. Namibia invests N$1.5 billion in FMD border fence strategy

    The government is rolling out a N$1.5-billion fencing project in the ||Kharas region to protect Namibia's foot-and-mouth disease-free status as outbreaks spread in South Africa and Botswana. The veterinary fencing aims to strengthen FMD defences, create buffer zones, and protect beef exports to markets like the European Union and China.

    12 July 2026 · The Namibian

Thursday 9 July

  1. Namibia seeks technology transfer and local manufacturing in China partnership

    During a state visit to China, Namibia's agriculture minister praised advancements at the Sichuan Agriculture Research Station and said the country wants cooperation to include technology transfer and Chinese companies establishing local assembly plants for agricultural machinery, rather than simply importing equipment.

    9 July 2026 · The Namibian

Wednesday 8 July

  1. Agriculture minister denies N$6.2m theft allegations at Amta

    Agriculture minister Inge Zaamwani has dismissed claims that N$6.2 million was stolen from the Agro Marketing and Trade Agency (Amta), characterizing the allegations as inaccurate.

    8 July 2026 · Namibian Sun

Thursday 2 July

  1. PDM MP demands clarity on Northern Communal Areas equalisation fund

    PDM Member of Parliament Inna Hengari has raised concerns about the implementation and accountability of the Northern Communal Areas Price Equalisation Fund for farmers, calling for clear timelines, oversight mechanisms and structural safeguards. She submitted formal questions to the minister of agriculture on Wednesday regarding long-standing inequalities affecting northern farmers, including lower cattle prices and limited market access.

    2 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Wednesday 1 July

  1. Namibia launches revised National Resettlement Policy 2023–2033

    Government has launched a revised National Resettlement Policy (2023–2033) that strengthens land tenure security and expands support systems for beneficiaries. The policy allows resettlement beneficiaries to move from leasehold to freehold ownership once they meet specified conditions, improving tenure security and enabling land rights to be used as collateral for credit.

    1 July 2026 · New Era

Tuesday 30 June

  1. Fishing industry warns of 50% bycatch levy hike

    Namibia's fishing industry has cautioned that the government's proposal to increase the bycatch levy from 15% to 50% could threaten company viability and lead to job losses and vessel shutdowns. The Namibian Hake Association warns the measure, combined with stricter bycatch thresholds and forfeiture provisions, would be punitive rather than corrective, and says the industry was not meaningfully consulted before the proposal reached Cabinet.

    30 June 2026 · The Namibian

Monday 29 June

  1. Fisheries minister raises bycatch penalty levy to 50%

    Namibia's agriculture minister has implemented a Cabinet decision to increase the penalty levy on bycatch from 15% to 50%, citing alarming increases in bycatch volumes and threats to marine biodiversity. The ministry convened stakeholder consultations in response to some fisheries recording increases of more than 200% in bycatch over the past decades.

    29 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  2. Zaamwani urges land for active farmers, not lifestyle assets

    Agriculture minister Inge Zaamwani says resettlement farms should go to people who will actively work the land rather than use it as a lifestyle asset, signalling a possible review of the current scoring system that gives higher marks to applicants with master's degrees or PhDs. The government is considering overhauling beneficiary selection criteria under the revised 2023 National Resettlement Policy.

    29 June 2026 · Namibian Sun

Saturday 27 June

  1. Equalisation Fund for NCA cattle farmers to launch this year

    The Minister of Agriculture announced that the Equalisation Fund, which ensures farmers in the Northern Communal Areas receive the same cattle prices as farmers elsewhere in Namibia, will be operationalised in 2024 after institutional delays prevented implementation the previous year. The ministry is also investing in feedlots and reducing transport costs for NCA farmers as part of broader efforts to remove market inequities.

    27 June 2026 · Informanté

Thursday 25 June

  1. Parliamentarian seeks grain storage plans ahead of bumper harvest

    Affirmative Repositioning MP Vaino Hangula is asking the government to explain its plans to procure and store locally produced maize, citing projections that white maize production will exceed 100,000 tonnes this year following good rainfall. He also raised concerns about poor-quality imported rice distributed through government aid programmes and reports of spoilage at the Namibia Correctional Service farm at Divundu due to inadequate storage facilities.

    25 June 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Redline removal blocked by uncontrolled cattle and disease risks

    An estimated 200,000 to 300,000 uncontrolled cattle roaming the Namibia-Angola border annually, slow uptake of northern abattoirs, and lack of alternative grazing areas make removal of the veterinary cordon fence (redline) practically impossible in its current form, the agriculture minister told Parliament. The redline maintains the southern zone's foot-and-mouth disease-free status; its removal would risk compromising this countrywide.

    25 June 2026 · New Era

Wednesday 24 June

  1. Government to roll out NCA Price Equalisation Fund this year

    Agriculture minister Inge Zaamwani says the government will operationalise the NCA Price Equalisation Fund, a N$100 million fund approved by Cabinet in 2024 that aims to ensure farmers in northern communal areas receive the same cattle prices as farmers south of the veterinary cordon fence. The fund was available last year but was not implemented due to disagreements between institutions, which have now been resolved.

    24 June 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Namibia seeks UN support for marine protection expansion

    Fisheries Minister Inge Zaamwani met with UN Environment Programme Executive Director Inger Andersen to discuss Namibia's environmental challenges and marine conservation goals. Namibia currently has approximately 1.7 per cent marine protection coverage and aims to reach 11 to 12 per cent by 2030, with five marine protected areas already declared and two further areas planned.

    24 June 2026 · Informanté

Sunday 21 June

  1. Namibia targets 11% of marine areas protected by 2030

    Namibia has set a target to increase its protected marine areas from 1.7% to 11% by 2030, the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform announced at a Commonwealth Ocean Ministers Roundtable in Mombasa. The country is applying ecosystem-based management in fisheries and developing a marine spatial management plan for its exclusive economic zone.

    21 June 2026 · The Namibian

Thursday 18 June

  1. Fraud-accused accountant's farm auctioned today

    A 4,703-hectare farm belonging to accountant Michael Bronkhorst, who faces four counts of fraud amounting to N$82 million, is being auctioned today after creditor Petrichor Capital secured a High Court sequestration order. The government waived its right to purchase the agricultural land in February, citing cost and resettlement criteria, but has restricted foreign investment without ministerial consent.

    18 June 2026 · The Namibian

Saturday 13 June

  1. Minister welcomes GWPO Secretariat relocation to Windhoek

    Agriculture Minister Inge Zaamwani has expressed support for deepening cooperation between her ministry and the Global Water Partnership Organisation following the GWPO's relocation of its Secretariat to Windhoek, which she described as recognition of Namibia's commitment to water cooperation and sustainable development.

    13 June 2026 · Informanté

  2. Minister urges new NamWater board to complete water infrastructure projects

    Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform Inge Zaamwani has urged the newly appointed NamWater Board of Directors to prioritize completion of key water infrastructure projects, including rehabilitation of canals, replacement of critical pipelines in northern regions, and strengthening pipeline infrastructure in Central Coastal Areas.

    13 June 2026 · Informanté

Thursday 11 June

  1. New board of directors appointed for Namibia Water Corporation

    Agriculture, fisheries, water and land reform minister Inge Zaamwani inaugurated a new NamWater board chaired by Matty Hauuanga with six other members. The government expects the board to focus on water security, financial sustainability, infrastructure projects and innovative water supply solutions.

    11 June 2026 · The Namibian

Wednesday 10 June

  1. Namibia has protected only 1.69% of marine territory

    Namibia has protected only 1.69% of its marine territory despite committing to place at least 30% of its oceans under conservation by 2030, according to agriculture, fisheries, water and land reform minister Inge Zaamwani. The disclosure highlights a growing challenge for a country dependent on the ocean for jobs, food security and economic growth.

    10 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Tuesday 9 June

  1. Only 1.69% of Namibia's marine areas under conservation protection

    The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform has noted that less than 2% of Namibia's marine areas are currently under conservation protection, while terrestrial areas stand at 39.92%. The ministry is identifying Ecologically and Biologically Sensitive Areas toward declaring them as protected areas to meet the CBD 30 by 30 target, which commits countries to conserve at least 30% of their land, inland water, coastal and marine areas by 2030.

    9 June 2026 · Informanté

Tuesday 2 June

  1. Uvhungu-Vhungu Green Scheme achieves full land utilisation

    President Nandi-Ndaitwah visited Uvhungu-Vhungu Green Scheme in Kavango East and applauded its achievement of fully utilising all 311 hectares for the first time, with maize planted on every centre pivot and an expected harvest of 1,900–2,000 tonnes despite electricity outages and storm damage.

    2 June 2026 · The Namibian

  2. President assesses Sikondo Green Scheme irrigation project

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah visited the Sikondo Green Scheme Irrigation Project in Kavango West Region to assess agricultural productivity and operational progress as part of her national familiarisation tour of Namibia's green schemes.

    2 June 2026 · Informanté

Monday 1 June

  1. President visits Ohangwena agricultural projects, emphasizes food security

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah toured agricultural and social projects in Ohangwena region, visiting the government-supported Ekoka Brownfield Green Scheme where mahangu, maize, cowpeas and sorghum are ready for harvesting, and the San Communities Development Centre. She reaffirmed the government's commitment to food security, youth employment and community development.

    1 June 2026 · The Namibian

  2. LPO urges regional cooperation to protect Namibia's FMD-free status

    The Livestock Producers' Organisation says no country can fight foot-and-mouth disease in isolation, warning that Namibia's internationally recognised FMD-free status requires cooperation between governments, veterinary authorities, farmers and regional partners. Maintaining the status is critical to protecting the livestock industry and international beef export market access.

    1 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Tuesday 26 May

  1. Ministry of Agriculture appoints Land Reform Advisory Commission

    The Ministry of Agriculture has appointed new members to the Land Reform Advisory Commission, which advises the Minister on acquisition, allocation and administration of commercial agricultural land for land reform purposes. The term of office runs from 1 May 2026 to 30 April 2029.

    26 May 2026 · Informanté

Thursday 21 May

  1. Government pursues land reform to address colonial imbalances

    The minister of agriculture says the government is instituting land reform through key policies and laws to address historical injustices that have deprived many Namibians of access to productive land and economic opportunities. The Land Reform Advisory Commission, which advises on the acquisition, allocation and administration of commercial agricultural land, has received new members who will serve for three years.

    21 May 2026 · The Namibian

  2. New Land Reform Advisory Commission appointed in Namibia

    The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform has appointed a new Land Reform Advisory Commission to address historical land inequalities and redistribute commercial agricultural land. The new commission began its term on 1 May 2026 and will serve until 30 April 2029.

    21 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Inge Zaamwani — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute