This is a best prospect industry sector for this country. Includes a market overview and trade data.

Overview

Fishing is one of Namibia’s top industries, contributing between three and seven percent of GDP since 1990, and about 20 percent of export earnings.  The Namibian government (GRN) has been largely successful in sustainably managing its fisheries.  The GRN has had mixed results with its program to “Namibianize” the fishing industry which has been dominated by foreign (mostly Spanish) companies.  Government incentives to increase Namibian participation have resulted in a proliferation of fishing companies and an overcapacity in onshore processing but they have also created jobs for previously disadvantaged Namibians. 

Mariculture – primarily oysters – is another market ripe for expansion.  Namibian oysters reach market size in half the time of oysters in other parts of the world and according to experts taste significantly better than oysters grown elsewhere as well.  Great taste and faster time to market should result in a mariculture boom.  But while oyster and abalone farmers seek high-value markets like the United States, the Namibian Standards Institute has not moved forward on developing a qualified food lab because they feel that existing markets are sufficient for the limited quantities Namibia can produce.

Ministry of Fisheries officials have also expressed interest in expanding freshwater aquaculture capacity, which may result in new opportunities in coming years. 

Leading Sub-Sectors

  • Engines/systems that make existing vessels more efficient
  • Water desalination systems
  • Industrial ice-making systems
  • Marketing services for assisting companies penetrate the U.S. market
  • Freshwater aquaculture equipment

Opportunities

Although there are incentives against significantly automating onshore fish processing (companies that employ more Namibians are generally afforded larger fishing quotas), there might also be export opportunities for U.S. equipment manufacturers.  As fishing is a capital intensive industry, Namibian companies are looking to acquire equipment/vessels that will reduce overall operating costs. 

Namibian companies interested in expanding their fleets often seek used vessels to avoid large capital outlays. However, before entering into an agreement to sell a used fishing vessel firms are recommended to conduct proper due diligence, as the import of used fishing vessels to Namibia is technically prohibited for safety and environmental reasons.  Nevertheless, Namibian firms have successfully purchased used vessels in recent years.
Namibian firms are trying to diversify both their markets and their product lines.  U.S. firms that can provide assistance with penetrating new seafood markets for both fin fish and shellfish (primarily oysters) or that can provide services (know-how) and equipment for developing value-added products may find willing buyers/partners in Namibia.  

Fishing licenses for certain species, such as pilchard and orange roughy, have been suspended to allow fish stocks to recover. 

Web Resources

INFOSA  http://www.globefish.org/dynamisk.php4?id=2238
Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources  http://www.mfmr.gov.na/
Namibian Fishing Industry On line  http://www.nfi.com.na/ and www.afriline.net/namibian-fishing-industry-online-info-3280.asp

 
 

Prepared by the International Trade Administration. With its network of more than 100 offices across the United States and in more than 75 markets, the International Trade Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.