Nedbank Namibia yesterday announced a sponsorship of N$560 000 towards the Nedbank Agra Agricultural Academy, which marked a significant step towards enhancing skills’ development and training in various agricultural disciplines.
The academy, managed by Agra ProVision, a subsidiary of Agra Limited, offers students the opportunity to pursue national certificates and diplomas in fields such as plant production, animal production, advanced farm management, agricultural extension, and agri-sales and services.
Affiliated to the International Agricultural Academy for Africa, the Nedbank Agra Agricultural Academy provides accredited online training through the South African Qualifications Authority, ensuring education and training of a high standard.
Nedbank yesterday reaffirmed its commitment to the growth of the local agriculture sector through sponsoring national certificate and diploma students, providing financial assistance of N$560 000 for 2025.
This funding will cover each student’s registration and tuition fees, making education more accessible to aspiring agricultural professionals.
Speaking at the sponsorship handover event, Nedbank Namibia managing director Martha Murorua said the collaboration will serve as a key catalyst in the country’s ongoing green revolution and food security efforts.
‘I am not disclosing any trade secrets if I profess that the agricultural sector has been a key strategic pillar in our strategic plan, and it will remain so for the immediate future. We are keenly aware of our percentage share of loans and advances within the banking sector, and we also understand what it is that we need to do to keep broadening our economic impact…”
“However, merely saying that agriculture is important to us at Nedbank Namibia is one thing, but proving it to be so is another. This announcement of investing in a better future for Namibia in agriculture serves as one indicator of our intent,” said Murorua.
She continued: “The aim of these bursaries is to encourage young people to pursue qualifications in agriculture. By investing in practical education, we hope to inspire the current and next generation to see agriculture as a vital and rewarding career path. Practical degrees equip students with hands-on experience and real-world skills, preparing them to tackle modern agricultural challenges and contribute to the sector’s growth.”
Agra CEO Arnold Klein reiterated Agra’s role in the agriculture industry by saying: “Since we formed the Agra ProVision to focus on capacity building and training in Namibia, Agra has got a shareholding of more than 3 800 shareholders. Of the 3 800, 75% are active farmers in Namibia.
We are proud to say that we are proud taxpayers because we understand the importance of tax in Namibia for the government to do what is needed to support the economy of this beautiful country. Since 2017, we paid out N$61 million in dividends to our shareholders. This year, I can say that we are doing even better as we’ve projected our profit after tax to grow between 45% – 55%.”
Beyond supporting the Agricultural Academy, Nedbank is committed to the broader agricultural sector through initiatives such as the Nedbank for Good Series, a 10-event countrywide golf tournament that raised N$250 000 for Agra ProVision in 2024. These proceeds were used to provide training to underprivileged farmers in Namibia.
Inge Zaamwani, minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, who delivered the keynote address on behalf of Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare at the event, commended the entities on the initiative.
“Attaining food sufficiency is one of the key priorities of our government. To achieve this, we recognise that the support of all Namibians, including corporate entities like Nedbank, is of paramount importance. As a country, we consider the agricultural sector a priority and an enabler that will contribute to our socio-economic development. Indeed, the agricultural sector contributes to job-creation, poverty eradication, food self-reliance and to the GDP.
Furthermore, the agricultural sector has been identified as one of the priority areas in Vision 2030 and the five-year National Development Plans,” she said.
-ohembapu@nepc.com.na