The Namibian Agronomic Board (NAB), in collaboration with industry stakeholders, hosted a strategic engagement to unlock the potential of the Namibian citrus industry and strengthen value chain development.
During the engagement, NAB CEO Fidelis Mwazi announced that they have revised their vision and mission to make its operations more inclusive, agile and impactful.
Going forward, the NAB will be a “globally-recognised regulator of a sustainable, agile and innovative agronomy and horticulture sector,” he said.
The mission was refined to reflect NAB’s focus over the next five years, advancing the agronomy and horticulture sector through effective legislation and facilitation.
“When we talk about the citrus industry, we are talking about potential, jobs, foreign exchange earnings – and most importantly, about transforming the sector to benefit our farmers and national economy. Hence, the NAB will be investing N$250 million (N$50 million annually) over the next five years into the development of the crop value chain to enhance the value of the crop sector through dedicated facilitation, cutting-edge research and development. This is while ensuring a dynamic regulatory framework that responds to the evolving needs of the industry,” he added.
Citrus is Namibia’s third most consumed fruit after apples and bananas.
However, the country remains a net importer.
It imports 96% of its citrus needs, valued at N$57.6 million annually.
Commercial production primarily takes place in the Karst, Central, South and Orange River production zones.
An estimated 1 783 tonnes of citrus are expected to be harvested this year.
Approximately 150 515 commercial citrus trees were planted nationwide.
About 70% of citrus is sold through formal markets, and 30% via informal channels.
Oranges are the most common type of citrus consumed and produced in Namibia, followed by soft citrus (naartjies).
Key export markets include South Africa and Angola, generating over N$23.9 million in earnings in 2024. Namibia imports citrus planting material valued at over N$136 million, ranking citrus among the top 10 agricultural inputs.
The meeting was attended by various representatives from the Local Nurseries’ Association, Citrus Growers’ Association, Namibia Association of Horticulture Producers, Namibian Association of Traders in Fresh Produce, citrus exporters and smallholder citrus producers.
Representatives from the line ministry, Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), Agricultural Trade Forum and Namibian Standards Institution were present.
Mwazi said the proposed changes are driven by the need to align with measurable global standards.
He noted that NAB’s regulatory and inspection work must meet international benchmarks, such as ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 17020 to ensure global recognition.
Most citrus fruits, which includes citron, lemon, lime, orange and grapefruit, are gazetted as controlled products under the Agronomic Industry Act 20 of 1992. A national citrus quality standard (NAMS 0023:2022) is in place to ensure market access and quality consistency.
– ohembapu@nepc.com.