WINDHOEK, April 23 (Xinhua) -- Namibia is calling for greater investment in value addition and diversification in its fishing industry as part of efforts to reform a sector facing instability and transition pressures, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said on Thursday.
Speaking at the close of a three-day fishing industry engagement in Walvis Bay, Nandi-Ndaitwah urged stakeholders to co-invest in value addition and diversification, stressing the need to manage resources responsibly while navigating changes in the sector.
She said the fishing industry, a critical source of livelihoods and national income, is undergoing a period of instability driven by a combination of internal challenges and external factors, including climate-related pressures.
"What is clear is that we are progressing into an industry transition," she said, calling for unity among government, employers, workers and unions.
She emphasized that reforms must be grounded in scientific data, particularly in managing fish stocks, and reiterated the government's commitment to evidence-based sustainability measures, noting that decisions on key species such as pilchard would continue to follow a science-led approach.
Beyond sustainability, Nandi-Ndaitwah highlighted structural issues affecting the sector, including a lack of trust among stakeholders and the emergence of a labor hire model linked to quota allocations.
She said the model should be discontinued as it undermines optimal benefits for employees.
As part of broader reforms, she said Namibia plans to move toward transparent and performance-based allocation of fishing quotas while preparing for the conclusion of the current redress program in April 2027.
Nandi-Ndaitwah also indicated that the government is exploring ways to cushion potential job losses, having directed cabinet to identify alternative sectors that can absorb workers exiting the fishing industry.
She stressed that economic gains must go hand in hand with responsible resource management.
"The ocean will not continue to give indefinitely if we do not manage it responsibly," she said, underscoring the need to balance job creation with sustainability. ■