Namibian fisheries ministry clarifies private commercial agreements for quota holders

This clarification follows a disputed horse mackerel deal involving a Democratic Republic of Congo-linked entity and Namibian fishing companies. The ministry emphasized that fishing rights are exclusively for Namibians and quotas are allocated to Namibian rights holders in accordance with the country's fisheries laws. Quota holders can engage third parties for harvesting if they lack the necessary vessels or capacity.

These arrangements are considered private business agreements between the quota holder and the third party. The dispute in question involved Fond Social de la République Démocratique du Congo, Hodago Fishing Pty Ltd, and Daron Namibia Pty Ltd, concerning a "horse mackerel quota exploration agreement" from September 2025. Fond Social de la République Démocratique du Congo terminated the agreement, alleging that the Namibian companies failed to meet agreed fishing volumes, with only approximately 500 tonnes landed despite a payment of US$3,066,666.

The lawyers for the DRC entity demanded repayment and threatened legal action. The ministry did not specify whether such agreements require approval, disclosure, or monitoring, nor did it address whether foreign entities can financially benefit from these arrangements. Hodago Fishing previously cited confidentiality obligations fo