Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform Ruthy Masake has called on the newly inaugurated Board of Trustees of the Namibian Fish Consumption Promotion Trust (NFCPT) to ensure that the country’s marine resources translate into tangible benefits for ordinary Namibians.
Speaking at the inauguration of the board, Masake emphasised that Namibia’s rich marine resources should not be measured solely by their contribution to export earnings, investment and employment, but also by their impact on people’s livelihoods, nutrition and quality of life. She said fish remains an important source of protein and essential nutrients, making increased domestic consumption a key contributor to improved nutrition, healthier communities and national food security.
Masake stressed that fish must be accessible and affordable to Namibians across all regions, particularly rural communities and areas far from the coast. The NFCPT plays a critical role in promoting fish consumption, strengthening domestic distribution networks and ensuring that more citizens benefit directly from the country’s fisheries resources. According to Masake, the Trust can also support government efforts to address food insecurity, assist vulnerable communities and strengthen resilience during droughts and other emergencies through targeted interventions and partnerships. She noted that achieving these objectives would require collective commitment, clear leadership and effective implementation across the institution.
The board is expected to provide strategic direction and oversight, while management must translate approved strategies into effective operations. Staff, meanwhile, have a responsibility to deliver services professionally and efficiently. Masake said the Ministry recognises the important role played by the NFCPT in connecting Namibia’s fisheries resources with the nutritional and socio-economic needs of its people. She added that the Trust’s success would ultimately be measured by the difference it makes in communities, including the availability of affordable fish, employment opportunities created through its operations and its contribution to food and nutrition security.
The inauguration marks an important step in strengthening the Trust’s role in expanding domestic fish consumption and ensuring that the benefits of Namibia’s marine resources reach more households across the country.
By Rudi Bowe
