Namibia Minute.
Thursday, 23 July 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Thursday, 23 July 2026
Windhoek—:—London—:—New York—:—Beijing—:—
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
Share on WhatsApp

What’s been said

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

  1. March 2026

  2. New Era

    Agriculture minister Inge Zaamwani declared 5,446 shares in FNB and 4,000 shares in Bank Windhoek

    Source

    “Among them are agriculture minister Inge Zaamwani who declared 5 446 shares in the FNB and 4 000 shares in Bank Windhoek.”

    MPs declare assets and interests

  3. The Namibian

    Minister of agriculture Inge Zaamwani stated during the handover event that farmers' care of livestock and discipline will determine how far the initiative can reach

    Source

    “"The care you give your livestock, the discipline you apply within your cooperatives, and the responsibility you demonstrate in sustaining this revolving model will determine how far this initiative can reach," minister of agriculture, fisheries, water and land reform Inge Zaamwani said during the handover event at farm Daweb near Usakos.”

    Additional livestock given to farmers at Hope Farm Project

  4. The Namibian

    Inge Zaamwani said agriculture is the most powerful tool to transform rural livelihoods

    Source

    “"Let us remember that agriculture remains the most powerful tool at our disposal to transform rural livelihoods and uplift communities," Zaamwani said.”

    Additional livestock given to farmers at Hope Farm Project

  5. Informanté

    Minister Inge Zaamwani signed declaration of FMD control area in Government Gazette No. 8866

    Source

    “The declaration, published in Government Gazette No. 8866 on 17 March 2026 and signed by Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform Inge Zaamwani, establishes a controlled zone along the southern border near the Mata Mata Border Post and the Orange River, extending westwards towards the Atlantic Ocean.”

    Foot-and-mouth disease control area declared to protect beef exports

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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

  11. 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
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