The Government of Namibia has formally terminated its Remote Sensing Agricultural Services Agreement with 6th Grain Corporation, which was intended to introduce an artificial intelligence (AI) and satellite imagery-driven crop monitoring system.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform said the decision followed a comprehensive review of the agreement and the circumstances surrounding its conclusion. According to the Ministry, the review found that the agreement did not meet the required legal and procedural requirements applicable to contractual arrangements entered into on behalf of the Government. Government has consequently invoked the applicable termination provisions contained in the agreement and issued 6th Grain Corporation with a formal written notice of termination.
The Ministry said the matter had received the necessary attention at the highest level of Government, emphasising that the decision was taken to safeguard the interests of the State. The terminated agreement involved the implementation of a crop monitoring system driven by AI technology and satellite imagery, which was intended to support agricultural monitoring.
The Ministry stressed that all contractual arrangements entered into on behalf of Government must comply with applicable laws, policies, regulations and established procedures. “The decision to terminate the agreement is intended to safeguard the interests of the State,” the Ministry said. Government further reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening transparency, accountability and compliance in the management of public resources.
The Ministry said these principles would continue to guide all contractual engagements entered into on behalf of the Namibian State. The termination brings the agreement with 6th Grain Corporation to an end following the Government’s assessment that the required legal and procedural standards had not been met. Government has assured the public that contractual processes will continue to be subjected to the necessary oversight to protect public interests and ensure that State resources are managed in accordance with established legal and administrative requirements.
By Rudi Bowe
