Namibia seeks Dutch investment to modernise agriculture…Hengari talks knowledge-sharing

Namibia is engaging Dutch agricultural technology and seed companies to attract investment, improve crop production and strengthen food security through modern farming technologies and knowledge-sharing.

Namibia’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Belgium and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Alfredo Hengari, recently held engagements with Dutch companies specialising in greenhouse technology, seed development and water management as part of efforts to strengthen agricultural cooperation between the two countries.

The engagements included visits to Priva and Rijk Zwaan, two Dutch companies with an established commercial presence in Namibia’s agricultural sector. This was revealed by Hengari in an exclusive interview over the weekend.

Priva specialises in greenhouse automation, climate control, water management and sustainable horticultural technologies, while Rijk Zwaan focuses on vegetable seed breeding and the development of improved crop varieties.

Hengari said the engagements were aligned with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s vision of making agriculture a central part of Namibia’s development agenda.

“These visits are aligned with the vision and call of H.E. Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, to place agriculture at the centre of the country’s development agenda, recognising it as a key national priority and a critical driver of economic growth, food security, employment creation and industrialisation,” he said.

He said the engagements provided an opportunity to strengthen existing partnerships and explore further cooperation in smart agriculture, climate-resilient crop varieties, water-use efficiency and technology transfer.

Hengari also held working meetings at the World Horti Centre in Naaldwijk, where he was received by its chief executive officer, Puck van Holsteijn.

The meeting brought together representatives of Dutch companies, including Frederik Vossenaar, executive adviser at Dutch Greenhouse Delta; Alexander Nevenitsa, sales manager at Ridder; and Chrétien Hendriks, business development director at Genap.

Discussions focused on advanced greenhouse technologies, horticultural production, water management and sustainable agricultural solutions, as well as opportunities for investment and cooperation with Namibia.

During the engagement, Hengari highlighted investment opportunities in Namibia’s agricultural and horticultural sectors and encouraged the companies to explore the country’s investment potential and consider establishing or expanding their business interests in Namibia.

He also emphasised the importance of partnerships that promote technology transfer, local skills development, value addition and employment creation.

The Ambassador said the engagements would help strengthen cooperation with Dutch companies and mobilise private-sector expertise in support of Namibia’s agricultural modernisation and productivity.

Following the meeting, Hengari was taken on a guided tour of the World Horti Centre, where he was introduced to its facilities, innovative technologies and practical applications of modern horticultural practices.

The centre provides a platform for companies and other stakeholders in the horticultural industry to showcase technologies and share knowledge on sustainable production.

He said the engagement with Dutch agricultural companies comes as the country seeks to improve domestic food production, strengthen the resilience of its agricultural sector and reduce dependence on food imports.

Cooperation in improved seed varieties, greenhouse production and efficient water management could create opportunities to improve productivity, particularly in horticulture and other areas where water availability remains a challenge.

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