President calls for dialogue amid fishing crisis in Namibia's fishing industry
via The Namibian6 min read
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has initiated a three-day consultation in Walvis Bay to address the crisis in Namibia鈥檚 fishing industry. Unions, including the Namibia National Labour Organisation Nanlo, warn of job insecurity, poor conditions, and limited benefits for workers. The President acknowledged a general downward trend in total allowable catch TAC for main regulated species and stated that a review of harvesting control rules is underway. A 2024 survey revealed an 8% decline in horse mackerel biomass, and the hake industry imported nearly N$140 million worth of fish in the fourth quarter of 2025 due to TAC declines. The sector contributes about 7% to the GDP and supports approximately 16,000 direct jobs. Nanlo General Secretary Joseph Garoeb highlighted structural failures in governance, accountability, and equitable resource distribution, citing a lack of transparency and worker consultation in decision-making. Concerns were also raised about labour practices such as fixed-term contracts and 'no work, no pay' conditions. The consultations will include presentations from unions and employers, an overview from government officials on economic performance and fish stocks, and discussions on labour conditions and the role of the Anti-Corruption Commission. The presidential delegation will also visit fishing factories and government facilities.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
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