Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.
June 2026
New Era
CNFA chairperson Matti Amukwasaidthe fishing industry shares government's vision of protecting Namibia's marine resources while creating jobs
Source
“Earlier, CNFA chairperson Matti Amukwa said the fishing industry shares the government's vision of protecting Namibia's marine resources while creating jobs and growing the economy.”
CNFA Chairperson Matti Amukwahighlightedthe sector's contribution to the national economy, describing fishing as a key driver of employment
Source
“CNFA Chairperson Matti Amukwa highlighted the sector's contribution to the national economy, describing fishing as a key driver of employment, livelihoods and State revenue.”
Confederation of Namibia Fishing Associations chairperson Matti Amukwasayssituation is unclear and government must provide guidelines on how it will work
Source
“Amukwa says industry players are waiting for the final wording of the gazette. "One has to wait and read the wording of the gazette in order to make a fair comment. For now, we don't know exactly what's going to be gazetted," he says. He says the government must provide guidelines.”
Matti Amukwawarns thatmore than 90 vessels could be excluded from fishing grounds
Source
“Confederation of Namibian Fishing Associations chairperson Matti Amukwa warns that more than 90 vessels could be excluded from these fishing grounds.”
Confederation of Namibian Fishing Associations chairperson Matti AmukwaconfirmedNamibia imports hake from South Africa and South America to process
Source
“Confederation of Namibian Fishing Associations chairperson Matti Amukwa has confirmed that Namibia imports hake from South Africa and South America to process into fillets, portions, molded loins and other value-added products.”
Confederation of Namibian Fishing Industries' chairperson Matti Amukwastated that the industry has beenopposing fishing in restricted areas
Source
“Meanwhile, the Confederation of Namibian Fishing Industries' chairperson Matti Amukwa, told New Era that the industry has been opposing fishing in restricted areas.”
“Chairperson of the Confederation of Namibia Fishing Associations (CFNA) Matti Amukwa says job losses would be unfortunate, but warns against panic in the sector.”
Matti Amukwanotedthat achieving MSC certification has been a team effort providing assurance of commitment to Namibian hake sustainability
Source
“Matti Amukwa, chair of the Namibian Hake Association, noted that, "Since [the country's] Independence, the government, scientists, and industry have worked hand-in-hand to rebuild the hake resource and create a profitable fishing industry that gives back to people and the environment. Achieving MSC certification, first in 2020 and now, has been a team effort and provides assurance to the world that we are committed to the sustainability of Namibian hake."”
Matti Amukwacomplained thatthe 'governmental objectives' fishing quota is distributed non-transparently and not for intended reasons
Source
“Matti Amukwa, the chair of the Confederation of the Namibian Fishing Association, has complained that the so-called 'governmental objectives' fishing quota is being distributed in a non-transparent manner and not for the intended reasons.”
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah met with the Confederation of Namibian Fishing Associations to discuss the fishing sector's future, emphasizing that Namibia cannot remain a leading fish-producing nation while citizens struggle to buy fish and that sustainable management of marine resources must remain a priority. The industry warned that growing policy uncertainty is beginning to undermine investor confidence and threaten long-term sustainability.
Why it matters
The President's engagement with fishing leaders on sustainability and affordability signals government attention to a key industry and consumer concerns.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah met with the Confederation of Namibian Fishing Associations to discuss the fishing sector's future, emphasizing that Namibia cannot remain a leading fish-producing nation while citizens struggle to buy fish and that sustainable management of marine resources must remain a priority. The industry warned that growing policy uncertainty is beginning to undermine investor confidence and threaten long-term sustainability.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah met with the Confederation of Namibian Fishing Associations to discuss sustainability, sector challenges, and economic contribution to job creation and foreign exchange earnings. The CNFA raised concerns over policy contradictions and regulatory uncertainties, and highlighted declining fish stocks as a threat to the industry's future.
The government will turn the 200-metre isobath trawling prohibition into law by September. Cabinet's recent decision to allow limited fishing in the zone is temporary and will end in 2027.
Cabinet approved a temporary 12-month relaxation of trawling limits for wet-landed horse mackerel from 200 metres to 150 metres starting 1 May, a decision the fishing industry views with division. The industry chair warns that over 90 vessels could be excluded from fishing grounds and the move contradicts government scientists' warnings about the 150–200 metre zone being a breeding and nursery area.
Namibia imported nearly N$140 million in fish in the fourth quarter of 2025—a 40% increase from the previous year—driven by declining fishing quotas allocated to local companies, forcing processors to source raw material from South Africa and Spain to maintain operations and employment.
Industry players and unionists allege that fishing companies are threatening mass layoffs to pressure the government for increased quotas, with Gendev announcing the retrenchment of over 400 workers. The labour minister has placed Gendev's retrenchments on hold pending stakeholder consultation and rejected proposals to allocate quotas directly to employees.
The Namibian Seamen and Allied Workers' Union has rejected Gendev Fishing's planned retrenchment of 489 employees, arguing the company breached labour law and failed to properly consult workers before issuing retrenchment notices. The company cited sustained financial losses, reduced revenue, and operational challenges as reasons for the contemplated retrenchments.
Namibia's hake fishery has secured its second Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable fishing practices. The certification, achieved after an independent assessment on 14 January 2026, strengthens market access and the fishery's competitive advantage, as the industry contributes approximately 7% to GDP and provides around 16,000 direct jobs.