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namib times
SERVING THE COASTAL COMMUNITY SINCE 1958 NO 7130 FRIDAY 22 AUGUST 2025 Tel: +264 64 - 205854 / +264 64 - 461866 /Fax: +264 64 - 204813 / 064 - 461824 / Website: www.namibtimes.net
Ocean Riches, Empty Nets?
Fishing Industry Earns N$14 billion, Government Collects Only N$300 million Eileen van der Schyff
Namibia's fishing industry generated N$13.8 billion in exports last year, yet government revenue from the sector stood at just N$278 million. The figures were presented by the new Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, Hon. Inge I. Zaamwani, during her first consultation with the fishing industry in Walvis Bay this week. In her Speech, the minister said, “the fishing industry is one of the economic enablers for our growth. It contributes to GDP, export earnings, value addition, and employment creation which underscores its importance.” Despite this, the numbers paint a striking picture. While billions flow out through exports,
less than N$300 million returns to state coffers in the form of quota fees, levies, and penalties. According to the Minister, the sector contributed 4.1% to Namibia's GDP in 2024, down from 4.5% in 2023. Reduced quotas due to declining fish stocks were cited as the main cause. The Total Allowable Catch (TAC) for 2024 was 438,080 metric tons, compared
to 457,380 in 2023. Employment remains one of the industry's strongest impacts, with more than 19 440 Namibians working in the sector. Of these, 71% are employed onshore, and women make up 45% of the factory workforce. Offshore, however, only 140 women are employed, highlighting the gender gap at sea. Zaamwani stressed that stability and sustainability
must guide the sector's future: “It is our collective responsibility to stabilise the industry by ensuring consistent and predictable policies that safeguard jobs.” The Minister also announced tougher measures against bycatch violations. Operators who exceed the 2% threshold will be forced to surrender the excess to government. Bycatch fees have been sharply increased from 15% to 50%, and repeat offenders face “more severe sanctions, including license revocation, quota deductions, and, in extreme cases, confiscation of fishing gear or vessels.” She further
Stormy Public Consultation Erupts at Goanikontes Rudi Bowe
Tensions flared at a heated public consultation held at Goanikontes in the Namib Naukluft area on Tuesday when residents and affected parties challenged the environmental consultants for Omegore Mineral and Trading CC on Exclusive Prospecting Licence (EPL) 10877.
The purpose of the Environmental Scoping Assessment (ESA) is to identify potential environmental and socio-economic impacts associated with the proposed exploration programme and to recommend mitigation measures to ensure prospecting activities are undertaken in an environmentally responsible and socially acceptable manner. The meeting, convened by consultants from Excel Dynamic Solutions on behalf of the project developers,
Hon Inge I Zaamwani confirmed that the Ministry will begin publishing an annual
“name and shame” list of violators. On future plans, Zaamwani poin-
was intended to gather input on an ESA for the planned operations. However, it quickly turned stormy, with affected parties demanding clarity on potential risks to water resources, livelihoods, and the fragile desert ecosystem. “We are not against development, but it must not come at the expense of our environment and future generations,” one participant said. Others argued that developers were sidelining local voices and rushing the process without adequately addressing concerns raised in earlier consultations. Some residents
ted to the government's goal of increasing local Continues on page 2
went further, vowing: “we are going to go to the ends of the world to stop you from coming here and mining our things, especially when it comes to an international company.” Tour operators warned that mineral prospecting in the Dorob National Park could undermine one of Namibia's strongest tourism economies and that the application threatened heritage sites, landscapes, and wildlife that attract thousands of visitors each year. Continues on page 2