The government has pledged to work towards addressing Namibia’s maritime recognition challenges while strengthening training and career opportunities for young Namibians as the Namibian Maritime and Fisheries Institute (NAMFI) celebrated its 30th anniversary.
Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform Ruthy Masake said her ministry would engage the Ministry of Works and Transport to explore ways of addressing Namibia’s absence from the International Maritime Organisation’s White List. Speaking at the anniversary celebration, Masake acknowledged that responsibility for the matter falls under the Ministry of Works and Transport, but pledged to work with her minister and the relevant ministry to advance the process. “We are going to work closely with them, together with my minister, to see how best we can register ourselves and be considered,” she said.
Masake congratulated NAMFI’s board, management, staff and industry partners for three decades of developing skilled maritime and fisheries professionals, saying the institution had helped reduce Namibia’s dependence on foreign expertise. She also highlighted the importance of women’s participation in the maritime sector, praising the testimony of engineer Mekondjo Amagola as evidence of the progress Namibian women have made in a traditionally male-dominated industry. The deputy minister encouraged young people, particularly women, to enrol at NAMFI and pursue careers in maritime navigation, engineering and fisheries. She said the sector’s future depended on modern training facilities, technological advancement, stronger industry partnerships and greater investment in skills development.
Masake called on industry partners and development stakeholders to support NAMFI through training equipment, sponsorships, practical learning opportunities and institutional development. She reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to supporting the institute and helping it strengthen its capacity to compete internationally. Established in 1996, NAMFI has played a key role in developing Namibia’s maritime and fisheries workforce.
Masake said its anniversary should serve not only as a celebration of past achievements, but also as a renewed commitment to building a modern, sustainable institution capable of serving future generations. “May the institution continue to grow from strength to strength,” she said.
By Rudi Bowe
