Dates, table grapes, blueberries, pomegranates, and citrus fruits are some of the references that Namibian operators export to Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, where the market for luxury fruits such as grapes and dates is growing. Namibian entrepreneurs will be present at Macfrut ( 6-8 May 2025).
"According to the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), "Namibia's commitment to sustainable agricultural practices and adherence to strict quality standards is enhancing its reputation as a reliable supplier of premium fruits such as citrus, dates, and table grapes. This recognition not only secures existing markets, but also opens the door to new opportunities, particularly in Europe, in countries such as the UK, the Netherlands and Germany, where there is strong demand for premium fruit due to their high purchasing power and emphasis on quality, but also in Asia, in countries such as China and Japan, where discerning consumers value quality and sustainability."
"Building on these strengths, Namibia's premium fruit sector continues to expand and make a significant contribution to the economic growth of the country, while also positioning itself as a major operator in the global fruit trade sector. In addition, Namibia has established trade relations with countries in the Middle East, particularly the United Arab Emirates, where the market for high-end fruits, such as grapes and dates, is growing."
In terms of logistical organization, "Some of the challenges Namibia has to face in this sector are maintaining the cold chain during export. Fruits and vegetables require specific temperature and humidity conditions to avoid spoilage. Breaks in the cold chain during transport or storage can result in accelerated ripening, loss of shelf life, and ultimately rejection by buyers," he adds.
"Another major challenge for produce exporters is meeting increasingly stringent phytosanitary and quality standards. Import regulations vary from country to country and region to region, requiring exporters to navigate a complex series of documentation, certifications, and inspections to meet the required standards. Failure to comply can result in rejected shipments, fines, and reputational damage."
With its thriving agricultural sector and wide range of quality products, Namibia wants Macfrut as a platform to showcase its offerings and foster business partnerships. "With their expertise in producing fruits like grapes, dates, and citrus, Namibian companies like the Namibia Agronomic Board, Namibia Industrial Development Agency, and Muadifam can strike deals with international fruit importers, distributors, and potential investors at Macfrut. Collaboration with European retailers and wholesalers could facilitate the export of Namibian fruit to new markets, strengthening the country's global presence and economic growth."
"In addition, Namibia's burgeoning organic farming sector offers an opportunity to connect with companies specializing in organic products. By highlighting the sustainability and high quality of organic fruits and vegetables, Namibian companies can attract environmentally conscious buyers and strike mutually beneficial deals. Establishing relationships with organic food retailers and distributors can open doors to niche markets and premium price points, thereby enhancing Namibia's position in the global agricultural trade landscape."
More on fruit and vegetables in Namibia
The marketing of fruits and vegetables is carried out through wholesale and retail trade, restaurants, and the catering industry. Local production is mainly targeted at the domestic fresh produce market and exports, especially table grapes and onions. The agri-processing sector is still in its development stage, with less than 1 percent of production destined for agri-processing. The country's main production areas are Central, South, Orange River, Kavango, North Central, and Zambezi.
Policies
Fresh fruits and vegetables were declared as a controlled crop in Namibia in 2002. This followed the establishment of the National Horticulture Development Initiative (NHDI) in September 2002 by the Namibian Agronomic Board and the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform (MAWLR).
The National Horticulture Development Initiative (NHDI) is implemented through the Namibian Horticulture Market Share Promotion programme, commonly known as MSP. Under this scheme, importers are required to ensure that a minimum percentage of their purchases of horticultural products are of Namibian origin in order to be granted an import permit for a particular quarter. The MSP percentage is currently 47%, after an increase from 5% in 2005. The MSP is designed to encourage Namibians and foreign investors to produce more fruits and vegetables in Namibia, to prioritize meeting market demand, and to export the surplus.
Investment opportunities
Opportunities exist through government-sponsored irrigation projects known as the Green Scheme. The government has 11 Green Scheme irrigation projects that aim to increase local agricultural production on 9,000 hectares along the perennial rivers that border Namibia.
To better leverage private capital and ensure sustainable production and productivity of the Green Schemes, the government is seeking to lease the 11 Green Schemes through competitive bidding. These include the irrigation scheme around Namibia's largest dam, the Neckartal Dam in the south of the country, which can hold up to 857 million cubic meters of water.
The main purpose of the dam is to irrigate 5,000 hectares of high-value crops such as palm dates, grapes, and other fruits and vegetables for export. While the dam itself was inaugurated in March 2020, the irrigation component of the project is incomplete. The government has been looking for potential investors to take over the management of these projects, as well as other green projects, which remain open to the private sector. Interested investors can obtain information on green programs available for lease and application windows for expression of interest through the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform. There are also additional investment opportunities for the construction of warehouses or cold storage facilities for fruit and vegetables.
For more information:
Namibia Investment Promotion
and Development Board
+264 (0) 83 333 8629
www.nipdb.com