The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform (MAFWLR) is stepping up measures to prevent corruption in Namibia's fisheries sector and advocating for tight controls and transparency.
Speaking at a five-day corruption risk assessment workshop in Walvis Bay, Fisheries Minister Inge Zaamwani warned officials against favouritism in the allocation of fishing rights and quotas.

"Therefore the allocation of these rights must never be influenced by personal interests or favouritism or improper conduct on anyone of us, those of us who are responsible. Instead, every decision must be firmly anchored in the principles of integrity, fairness, transparency, accountability and public interest."

Citing deliberate and repeated over-catching of fish by some operators, Zaamwani stressed that corruption prevention must focus on fixing weaknesses before they become bigger problems.

"Is this intentional or is it coincidental? So we must ask ourselves those cases when consistently certain players are the ones who are overcatching all the time and at all times when certain officials and we and players are always playing on the margins of the law. Strong systems, effective controls and transparent procedures are our first line of defence. It is within this context that today's corruption risk assessment workshop assumes such great importance."

She also warned officials against acting on claims that the minister has authorised permits or other decisions without proper approval.

The ministry, she revealed, is also looking at improving quota allocation, strengthening record management and reducing excessive discretion.

The five-day workshop focuses on identifying corruption risks, strengthening internal controls and improving accountability across the ministry.