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Namibia Targets Salmon Farming to Boost Exports and Industrial Growth

Namibia is positioning salmon farming as a strategic new industry to drive economic transformation and sustainable growth. Deputy Minister Ruthy Masake stated the move aims to shift beyond wild-catch fishing toward high-value aquaculture and agro-processing. The initiative could attract investment, create jobs, and build climate-resilient food systems through controlled production. Development must adhere to strict environmental standards and be supported by public-private partnerships and inclusive policies.

Key Points: Namibia Eyes Salmon Farming for Economic Growth

  • New driver for industrialization
  • Boost high-value exports & FDI
  • Create skilled jobs & strengthen infrastructure
  • Build climate-resilient food systems
2 min read

Namibia eyes salmon farming to boost high value exports

Namibia plans to develop a high-value salmon aquaculture industry to drive industrialization, create jobs, and boost sustainable exports.

"Unlocking the potential of Namibia's salmon industry presents a real opportunity for economic transformation - Ruthy Masake"

Windhoek, Feb 24

Namibia is positioning salmon farming as a new driver of industrialisation and sustainable blue economy growth, Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Land Reform Ruthy Masake said on Tuesday.

Speaking at a conference titled 'Unlocking Namibia's Salmon Industry: An Opportunity for Industrialisation', Masake said the country is seeking to move beyond traditional wild-catch fishing toward high-value aquaculture and agro-processing industries.

"Unlocking the potential of Namibia's salmon industry presents a real opportunity for economic transformation through value chain development," she said, Xinhua News Agency reported.

Masake said developing a domestic salmon value chain could help stimulate foreign direct investment, create skilled and semi-skilled jobs, strengthen cold-chain and agro-processing infrastructure, and increase export revenues.

Globally, salmon is among the most traded and consumed fish species, commanding premium markets in Europe, Asia, and North America, she said, noting that Namibia's cold Benguela Current system, stable governance, and investor-friendly policies give the country a competitive advantage in salmon aquaculture.

According to Masake, the industry could also stimulate related sectors such as feed production, logistics, packaging, research and technology development, helping to build a broader industrial ecosystem.

As climate change and overfishing place pressure on wild fish stocks, aquaculture is increasingly seen as a sustainable solution to meet global seafood demand. Industrial salmon farming, she said, would allow controlled production, improved biosecurity, and more predictable output.

For Namibia, this could reduce dependence on fluctuating wild catches, strengthen domestic protein supply, and enhance climate-resilient food systems, Masake added.

She stressed that the development of the salmon industry must be rooted in responsible environmental management and adhere to international standards on water quality, waste management, and biodiversity protection.

Namibia has the opportunity to integrate green energy and scientific research partnerships into the sector's growth, Masake said.

The deputy minister also called for strong public-private partnerships, clear regulatory frameworks, investment in research and skills development, and inclusive policies that place women and youth at the center of the new industry.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good initiative. Focus on women and youth inclusion is commendable. Hope they manage the environmental impact properly. Overfishing is a global problem, so controlled farming is the future.
A
Aman W
Salmon is expensive here in Indian metros. If Namibia succeeds, maybe we'll get a new, more affordable source. But the article rightly points out the need for strict environmental standards. Can't compromise on that.
S
Sarah B
As someone who follows sustainable development, this seems like a well-planned strategy. Building the entire value chain from feed to logistics is how you create lasting jobs, not just temporary ones. Hope it works out for them.
V
Vikram M
They mention the cold Benguela Current as an advantage. Geography is destiny sometimes. India has a huge coastline but different conditions. Our focus should be on species suited to our waters, like shrimp or seabass.
K
Karthik V
The plan sounds great on paper. My only respectful criticism is that these projects often face hurdles in execution - getting consistent investment, managing diseases in farms, and competing with established players like Norway. The proof will be in the implementation.
N
Nisha Z
Creating skilled jobs is key. Many African nations rely on raw material exports. Moving into processing and exporting a finished, high-value product is a step up the

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