MASAKE CALLS FOR SHIFT TO VALUE ADDITION IN AGRICULTURE
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The Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, Ruthy Masake, has called for a shift from exporting raw agricultural commodities domestically to create jobs.
The Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, Ruthy Masake, has called for a shift from exporting raw agricultural commodities domestically to create jobs.
Namibia's unrealised export potential is estimated at about N$13.5 billion within Africa and N$64.4 billion globally by 2030.
Farmers in South Africa's Western Cape province are scaling up production ahead of exports to China after Beijing's zero-tariff policy took effect on May 1. Black farmers, specifically, are urging the government to extend support and ensure fairer access to the new opportunities.
Namibia's export sector could soon see new opportunities as China introduces a new trade development policy.
The Luderitz-based Lagoon Aquaculture, founded in 2015, has grown over the years into a cross-border industry, now exporting live oysters, scallops, and rock lobsters.
Its export destination includes South Africa and Asian markets.
The Minister of International Relations and Trade, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, has urged Namibia to identify products and sectors where it holds a competitive advantage for export growth as the country explores the opportunities within the African Continental Free Trade Area framework.
Trade tariffs imposed by the United States are negatively affecting Namibia's export earnings, having disrupted established value chains and decreasing competitiveness in traded goods.
The Grape Growers Association has highlighted several challenges facing the industry, such as restrictions preventing the export of selected products to neighbouring South Africa.
Namibia will make its second shipment to Kenya on Monday through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTA).
The second consignment will come from MeatCo.
With more than 300,000 calves exported yearly to South Africa, Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare is calling for local value addition around cattle farming in the quest to create more employment.
The premier spoke to NBC News in an interview during the 17th edition of the Okakarara Annual Trade Fair.