Namibia seeks to reclaim ocean wealth for its people
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Namibians gathered at the National Fisheries Indaba 2026 in Walvis Bay to address imbalances in their fishing industry.
For years, Namibia has exported billions of Namibian dollars worth of fish while receiving limited direct revenue for its citizens. The recent indaba marked a shift from typical government discussions toward a fundamental restructuring of the market to benefit all Namibians, not just a select few. The country’s fishing sector faces challenges including declining fish populations, illegal fishing, and high operating costs.
A lack of transparency regarding fishing rights and quotas also hinders equitable distribution of wealth. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah urged prioritizing scientific advice over economic interests, stating that Namibia must protect its marine ecosystems to sustain livelihoods. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform plans to increase local fish processing from 23% to 45% within five years. Officials project this policy will create 15,000 permanent jobs and keep more wealth within Namibia.
As fishing rights expire in 2026 and 2027, the government intends to prioritize renewals for companies that invest in Namibian workers and communities.
