Also known as: deputy agriculture minister Ruthy Masake · Hon. Ruthy Masake · Ruth Masake · Deputy agriculture minister Ruth Masake · Honourable Ruthy Masake · Deputy Minister of Agriculture Ruthy Masake
Deputy Minister of Agriculture who highlights Namibia's heavy food import reliance and advocates for youth-led agricultural innovation and domestic production.
News reports
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Windhoek Observer
Deputy minister Ruthy Masake made the call for research going beyond academic publications to inform policy
“Deputy minister Ruthy Masake made the call on Tuesday during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the ministry and Unam at the ministry's head office in Windhoek.”
Govt demands action on Unam researchInformanté
Deputy Minister of Agriculture Ruthy Masake urged private sector, traditional authorities and other stakeholders to support youth-led agricultural projects
“THE Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Ruthy Masake, has urged the private sector, traditional authorities and other stakeholders to identify and support bankable agricultural projects, particularly those led by young people.”
Masake urges stakeholders to invest in youth-led agricultural enterprisesInformanté
Masake made remarks at the official opening of the 2026 Epukiro Business and Agricultural Expo
“Masake made these remarks at the official opening of the 2026 Epukiro Business and Agricultural Expo in the Omaheke Region, where she spoke on behalf of the Prime Minister, Dr Tjitunga Elijah Ngurare.”
Masake urges stakeholders to invest in youth-led agricultural enterprisesWindhoek Observer
Deputy minister Ruthy Masake highlighted Namibia's target to produce 80% of national food requirements by 2030
“The target was highlighted by deputy minister of agriculture, fisheries, water and land reform Ruthy Masake, speaking on behalf of Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare at the official opening of the 2026 Epukiro Business and Agricultural Expo in Omaheke Region on Friday.”
Namibia targets 80% food self-sufficiency by 2030Windhoek Observer
Masake pointed to as examples community garden projects in Epukiro contributing to food security and empowerment
“She pointed to community initiatives in Epukiro, including the Ovambanderu Traditional Authority Garden Project, Okumombonde Women Garden Project and Otjimangombe Women Garden Project, as examples of rural communities contributing to food security, household incomes, nutrition and empowerment.”
Namibia targets 80% food self-sufficiency by 2030Informanté
Ruthy Masake called on young people in Ohangwena to take an active role in building a climate-resilient future through climate-smart farming
“DEPUTY Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform Ruthy Masake has called on young people in Ohangwena to take an active role in building a climate-resilient future by embracing opportunities in climate-smart farming, agribusiness and innovation.”
Masake urges Ohangwena youth to lead climate-smart agriculture driveInformanté
Ruthy Masake urged young entrepreneurs to make use of financial and technical support from National Youth Development Fund, Development Bank of Namibia, Agribank, Environmental Investment Fund, United Nations Development Programme and Food and Agriculture Organisation
“She further urged young entrepreneurs to make use of available financial and technical support from institutions such as the National Youth Development Fund, Development Bank of Namibia, Agribank, the Environmental Investment Fund, the United Nations Development Programme and the Food and Agriculture Organisation.”
Masake urges Ohangwena youth to lead climate-smart agriculture driveWindhoek Observer
Deputy minister Ruthy Masake officiated the groundbreaking ceremony for the Schwarzekuppe–Swakopmund Pipeline Replacement Project
“Deputy minister of agriculture, fisheries, water and land reform, Ruthy Masake, on Wednesday officiated the groundbreaking ceremony for the Schwarzekuppe–Swakopmund Pipeline Replacement Project, describing it as a critical investment in water security, climate resilience and economic development.”
Government launches final N$83.9m coastal pipeline upgradeThe Namibian
Deputy minister of agriculture Ruth Masake backs the bill, arguing it would improve accountability and oversight
“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.”
Public enterprises bill sparks division in National AssemblyThe Namibian
Deputy agriculture minister Ruthy Masake read Inge Zaamwani's speech on her behalf in Windhoek
“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.”
Govt targets colonial imbalances in land reformMinister 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 →
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 →
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 →
Swapo Party Women's Council secretary Fransina Kahungu has been nominated unopposed to lead the women's wing for another five-year term at the ninth congress scheduled for 9–11 December 2027 in Katima Mulilo. She will be joined by Maria Mukano-Ntusi as deputy, with formal voting by delegates expected at the congress.
24 September 2026 · The Namibian →
About 96% of fruit consumed domestically in Namibia is imported, and 46% of vegetables come from outside the country, according to deputy minister of agriculture Ruthy Masake. The government plans to reduce import dependence by increasing domestic agricultural production under the sixth National Development Plan.
21 September 2026 · The Namibian →
Deputy Minister of Agriculture Ruthy Masake warned that Namibia's heavy reliance on food imports is unacceptable and exposes the country to volatile global commodity prices and food security threats. During the 2025/26 season, Namibia imported more than 64% of its maize, 87% of its wheat, 64% of its pearl millet, 46% of its vegetables, and 96% of its fruits consumed domestically.
21 September 2026 · New Era →
Deputy Minister of Agriculture Ruthy Masake revealed that Namibia imports nearly all domestically consumed fruit, over half of maize, wheat and pearl millet requirements, and significant shares of vegetables and potatoes during the 2025/2026 season, framing increased domestic production as both a food security and economic priority.
19 September 2026 · Informanté →
During the 2025/26 season, Namibia imported approximately 64% of maize requirements, 87% of wheat, 64% of pearl millet, 46% of vegetables, and 96% of fruit consumed domestically, according to the agriculture minister. The minister called increasing domestic production both a food security priority and an economic opportunity.
18 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform and the University of Namibia have signed an agreement to strengthen research in agriculture, food security, fisheries, water and land reform. The partnership aims to link university research with government policies and programmes, focusing on increasing agricultural production, helping farmers adapt to climate change, managing fisheries and aquatic resources, and supporting land reform.
16 September 2026 · The Namibian →
The agriculture ministry has signed a memorandum of understanding with the University of Namibia, challenging the institution to produce research that directly informs government policy on food security, water scarcity, climate change, fisheries and land reform, rather than remaining confined to academic publications.
16 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Deputy Minister of Agriculture Ruthy Masake called on the private sector, traditional authorities and other stakeholders to identify and support bankable agricultural projects led by young people, noting that young Namibians need access to skills, finance, land, infrastructure and mentorship to participate effectively across the agricultural value chain.
27 August 2026 · Informanté →
Namibia aims to produce 80% of its national food requirements by 2030, up from a current baseline of 60%, according to the Sixth National Development Plan. The government plans to shift agriculture from subsistence production toward a commercially driven sector focused on creating jobs, wealth, and sustainable livelihoods through stronger value chains, improved market access, and greater investment in agro-processing.
24 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Deputy Minister of Agriculture Ruthy Masake has called on young people in Ohangwena to embrace climate-smart farming, agribusiness and innovation, urging them to become active producers and leaders rather than programme beneficiaries. She stressed the integration of climate action, water security and sustainable agriculture to strengthen food security and rural development in response to climate impacts including changing rainfall patterns and prolonged dry spells.
10 August 2026 · Informanté →
Namibia has begun the final phase of an N$83.9 million pipeline replacement project to secure water supplies for more than 200,000 residents in the Erongo Region. The Schwarzekuppe–Swakopmund Pipeline Replacement Project will replace the remaining nine kilometres of a deteriorating 80-kilometre bulk water system that has supplied the coast since 1974.
30 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Prime Minister Dr Elijah Ngurare expressed strong support for Meatco's recovery and growth strategy during a visit to the corporation's Windhoek Abattoir, reaffirming government commitment to strengthening Namibia's livestock industry and expanding value addition. The Prime Minister noted encouraging progress, including completion of Namibia's 2026 Norwegian beef export quota by June 2026, return to profitability, and livestock procurement of approximately 29,000 cattle by mid-July 2026 toward a target of 50,000 by February 2027.
23 July 2026 · Informanté →
The Daures Green Hydrogen Village is progressing toward producing Namibia's first carbon-free ammonium sulphate fertiliser using green hydrogen technology, with government and international partners including UNIDO and the United Kingdom Government reviewing the project's development in the Erongo Region.
18 July 2026 · Informanté →
Dr. Benonia Rafael delivered a vote of thanks at the launch of the ERONGO SUNAM Desalination project, commending the Prime Minister and other government officials for their support. The project involves Chinese partners and is positioned as part of Namibia's water security and infrastructure-led growth priorities.
25 June 2026 · The Namibian →
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.
2 June 2026 · The Namibian →
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 →
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 →
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.
6 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
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.
14 April 2026 · New Era →
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.
12 April 2026 · The Namibian →
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.
24 March 2026 · Informanté →
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.
14 March 2026 · Informanté →
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.
27 February 2026 · The Namibian →
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.
27 February 2026 · Informanté →
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.
26 February 2026 · New Era →
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.
22 February 2026 · Informanté →
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.
20 February 2026 · New Era →
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.
15 February 2026 · The Namibian →