The newly appointed Board of Trustees of the Namibian Fish Consumption Promotion Trust with the Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform Ruthy Masake and the Chief Executive Officer of the Namibia Fish Consumption Promotion Trust Victor Pea
Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform Ruthy Masake has inaugurated the newly appointed Board of Trustees of the Namibian Fish Consumption Promotion Trust (NFCPT), calling on the board to prioritise affordable fish, stronger governance and improved access to fish across Namibia.
During the inauguration, Masake outlined five priority areas to guide the board’s work, emphasising that the country’s marine resources must benefit ordinary Namibians through improved nutrition, food security, employment creation and community development. A key priority is the establishment of at least three community fish markets during the board’s tenure, subject to feasibility assessments, available resources and sound implementation planning. Masake said the markets should be strategically located in communities where access to affordable fish remains limited. She called for collaboration with regional councils, local authorities, communities and other stakeholders to ensure that the markets respond to local needs.
The initiative is expected to bring fish closer to consumers while creating employment opportunities and stimulating economic activity in underserved areas. The deputy minister also stressed the importance of sound corporate governance, transparency and accountability, urging trustees to ensure that public resources are managed responsibly and that the Trust complies with applicable laws and governance frameworks. She further called for the NFCPT’s strategy to align with national development priorities, with performance measured not only by financial results but also by its contribution to food security, domestic fish consumption and community development.
Strengthening partnerships with government, the fishing industry, retailers and community organisations was identified as another priority, particularly in improving distribution networks and reaching remote areas. Masake also urged the board to work closely with management to improve operational efficiency, strengthen financial planning and ensure the Trust remains financially sustainable while fulfilling its public mandate. The newly appointed board comprises Lot Ndamonomhata as chairperson, alongside Charlene Hartung, Olivia Shuuluka, Ndahalomwene Gotlieb and Wilfried Naibab.
The inauguration marks a new chapter for the NFCPT as it seeks to expand access to one of Namibia’s important sources of protein and ensure that more citizens benefit from the country’s fisheries resources.
By Rudi Bowe
