Also known as: deputy agriculture minister Ruthy Masake · Hon. Ruthy Masake · Ruth Masake · Deputy agriculture minister Ruth Masake
Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform promoting sustainable agriculture, aquaculture, and youth engagement across Namibian regions.
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June 2026
The Namibian
Deputy minister of agriculture Ruth Masakebacksthe bill, arguing it would improve accountability and oversight
Source
“Deputy minister of agriculture Ruth Masake also backs the bill, arguing that it would improve accountability by placing direct ownership and oversight responsibilities with line ministries instead of concentrating them under a single ministry.”
Deputy agriculture minister Ruthy MasakereadInge Zaamwani's speech on her behalf in Windhoek
Source
“This was said by minister of agriculture, fisheries, water and land reform Inge Zaamwani in a speech read on her behalf by deputy agriculture minister Ruthy Masake in Windhoek yesterday.”
Deputy minister Ruthy Masakesaidland reform remains one of Namibia's most urgent national priorities
Source
“Deputy minister of agriculture, fisheries, water and land reform Ruthy Masake, speaking on behalf of minister Inge Zaamwani, said land reform remains one of Namibia's most urgent national priorities.”
Ruthy MasakesaidOshana region allocated about N$577 million for youth programmes
Source
“Masake said the Oshana region has been allocated about N$577 million for youth programmes and urged young people to approach constituency offices to access funding.”
Deputy Minister Ruthy Masakehighlightedabout 3,000 tonnes of fish were caught from rivers, lakes and dams in 2025
Source
“Also speaking during the same session, deputy minister in the ministry, Ruthy Masake highlighted that about 3000 tonnes of fish were caught from rivers, lakes and dams.”
Deputy agriculture minister Ruthy Masakehighlighted3,000 tonnes of fish caught from rivers, lakes and dams generated N$240 million
Source
“Also speaking during the same session, deputy agriculture minister Ruthy Masake highlighted that about 3 000 tonnes of fish were caught from rivers, lakes, and dams, generating close to N$240 million and supporting over 280 000 riparian community members and fish traders.”
Deputy Minister Ruthy Masakewelcomedparticipants at Continental Technical Workshop today
Source
“Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Land Reform, Hon. Ruthy Masake, welcomed participants today, highlighting Namibia's commitment to advancing agricultural transformation and regional collaboration under the CAADP framework.”
Ruth Masake, Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reformstatedapproximately 40% of Namibian households lack basic toilet facilities
Source
“"While access to water is a success, sanitation remains a national crisis, with Namibia having some of the lowest levels of sanitation coverage in Southern Africa. Approximately 40% of Namibian households still do not have access to basic toilet facilities and often practise open defecation, which is recognised as a major public health and dignity issue," said Ruth Masake, Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform.”
Masakenoted91.4% of households nationwide have access to safe drinking water
Source
“Despite these challenges, Masake noted that Namibia has made considerable progress in expanding access to potable water, with 91.4% of households nationwide now having access to safe drinking water.”
Opposition and Swapo lawmakers are divided over a governance amendment bill that would grant the prime minister authority to oversee state-owned enterprises and appoint board members in consultation with line ministers. Critics argue it concentrates political power and weakens accountability, while supporters say it clarifies reporting structures and improves coordination.
Why it matters
Governance amendment dividing parliament over prime ministerial power over state enterprises is a major constitutional and accountability story with ongoing legislative stakes.
Opposition and Swapo lawmakers are divided over a governance amendment bill that would grant the prime minister authority to oversee state-owned enterprises and appoint board members in consultation with line ministers. Critics argue it concentrates political power and weakens accountability, while supporters say it clarifies reporting structures and improves coordination.
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.
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.
Oshana governor Hofni Iipinge has called on young people in the region to take the lead in agriculture and reduce dependence on food imports, citing rising food prices and unemployment. Deputy minister of agriculture Ruthy Masake urged youth to move beyond subsistence farming, adopt modern methods, and explore opportunities in fish farming and improved mahangu and legume production.
Namibia's livestock sector generated over N$2.1 billion in foreign exchange in 2025 and contributed 3.5% to GDP, supporting over 45,000 direct jobs and sustaining approximately 70% of the population's livelihoods. The sector maintains unique concurrent export access to the USA, China, Norway, and the EU.
Namibia's livestock sector generated over N$2.1 billion in foreign exchange in 2025 and contributed 3.5% to GDP, supporting over 45,000 direct jobs in primary production and 12,000 technical roles in export and processing, according to Agriculture Minister Inge Zaamwani. The sector sustains livelihoods for approximately 70% of Namibians and Namibia remains the only African country with concurrent export access to the US, China, Norway, and the EU.
Namibia is hosting a Continental Technical Workshop on the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Kampala Results Framework and Biennial Review Indicators in Windhoek, bringing together African Union Commission delegates, regional experts, and development partners. Deputy Minister Ruthy Masake highlighted the workshop's role in refining mechanisms to track agricultural progress, promote accountability, and foster peer learning toward food security and sustainable development across the continent.
Deputy Minister Ruth Masake says sanitation remains a national crisis despite progress in water access, with about 40% of households lacking toilets and often practising open defecation. She noted that 91.4% of Namibians now have access to safe drinking water, but called for increased investment and coordinated efforts to address sanitation challenges and gender disparities in water access.
The deputy minister of agriculture, fisheries, water and land reform says the salmon industry presents an opportunity for economic transformation through value chain development, which could stimulate foreign investment, strengthen agro-processing and cold-chain infrastructure, increase export revenues, and create employment. She cited Namibia's cold Benguela current, stable governance, and investor-friendly policies as competitive advantages, and noted that aquaculture is becoming a sustainable solution to global seafood demand amid climate change and overfishing pressures.
Deputy Minister of Fisheries Ruthy Masake has highlighted industrial salmon farming as a way to expand Namibia's aquaculture sector into a high-value export industry, create skilled employment, and support related industries such as manufacturing and feed production. She emphasised the need to shift from traditional fishing to sustainable farming as a response to climate change and overfishing pressures on wild fish stocks.
Namibia is set to pioneer Africa's first salmon farming industry with a N$41 million aquaculture farm at Lüderitz, backed by Norwegian company African Aquaculture Company. The project aims to produce 1,000 tonnes of Atlantic salmon annually in its first phase, scaling to 51,000 tonnes, while creating over 5,000 jobs and positioning Namibia as a leader in sustainable blue economy development.
The Ministry of Agriculture has received nine EU-funded vehicles—eight Land Cruisers and one truck, valued at N$10 million—to strengthen livestock value chains in the Northern Communal Areas. The vehicles, including two mobile veterinary clinics, aim to improve animal health monitoring, combat Foot and Mouth Disease, and enhance market access for communal farmers.
The European Union has donated nine vehicles valued at N$10 million to Namibia's Ministry of Agriculture, including eight Land Cruiser bakkies and two mobile veterinary clinics, to strengthen animal health surveillance and disease control in the Northern Communal Areas. The fleet will support efforts to combat Foot-and-Mouth Disease, improve traceability, and help farmers meet export standards.
Kavango West governor Verna Sinimbo met with the agriculture ministry to advocate for year-round food production, calling for aggregation, value addition, and commercial agricultural development to replace subsistence farming and address food insecurity. Deputy minister Ruthy Masake urged young people and cooperatives to leverage the region's water and fertile soil through irrigation, aquaculture, and agro-processing rather than working in isolation.
Swapo members of parliament have defended the petroleum bill, arguing it ensures resource benefits contribute to inclusive economic growth and long-term national capacity through local content, skills development, and environmental protection. An IPC opposition MP questioned whether proposed penalties for conflict-of-interest violations are adequate for a billion-dollar industry.
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.
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.
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.
The Ministry of Agriculture has reinforced locust control operations in Zambezi Region with response teams from six other regions, bringing extra vehicles and equipment. Control measures include surveillance, ground spraying at breeding sites, and farmer awareness initiatives, with four operational teams now deployed.