The future of Namibian agriculture just got a significant shot in the arm, as Nedbank Namibia announced a N$560,000 sponsorship for the Agra Agricultural Academy. This substantial investment aims to cultivate a new generation of skilled agricultural professionals, a critical step towards bolstering the nation’s food security and economic prosperity.
The Agra Agricultural Academy, operating under the wing of Agra ProVision, a subsidiary of Agra Limited, is a beacon of opportunity for aspiring farmers. It offers a comprehensive range of national certificates and diplomas in vital disciplines, including plant production, animal production, advanced farm management, agricultural extension, and agri-sales and services.
What sets this academy apart is its affiliation with the International Agricultural Academy for Africa, providing accredited online training through the South African Qualification Authority. This ensures that the education and training received by students are of the highest standard, preparing them for the realities of modern farming.
Nedbank Namibia’s commitment for 2025 will directly benefit national certificate and national diploma students, covering their registration and tuition fees. This financial easing will undoubtedly open doors for many who previously found agricultural education out of reach, paving the way for a more inclusive and skilled workforce in the sector.
Speaking at the handover, Nedbank Namibia MD Martha Murorua underscored the pivotal role of agriculture in the national economy. “I am not disclosing any trade secrets if I profess that the agricultural sector has been a key strategic pillar in our strategic plan, and it will remain so for the immediate future,” Murorua stated, highlighting the bank’s deep-rooted understanding of the sector’s importance. “We are keenly aware of our percentage share of loans and advances within the banking sector, and we also understand what it is that we need to do to keep broadening our economic impact.”
Arnold Klein, Chief Executive Officer of Agra Limited, reiterated Agra’s enduring commitment to the agricultural industry. “Since we formed the Agra ProVision to focus on capacity building and training in Namibia, Agra has got a shareholding of more than 3,800 shareholders. Of the 3,800, 75% are active farmers in Namibia,” Klein proudly revealed. He also highlighted the company’s significant contribution to the national fiscus, adding, “We are proud to say that we are proud taxpayers because we understand the importance of tax in Namibia for the government to do what is needed to support the economy of this beautiful country.”
Agriculture Minister Inge Zaamwani, in a speech delivered on behalf of Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare, lauded the initiative as a crucial step towards national food sufficiency. “Attaining food sufficiency is one of the key priorities of our government. To achieve this, we recognise that the support of all Namibians including corporate entities like Nedbank is of paramount importance,” the Prime Minister’s statement read.
He further emphasized the agricultural sector’s multifaceted contribution to the nation: “As a country, we consider the agricultural sector a priority and an enabler that will contribute to our socio-economic development. Indeed, the agricultural sector contributes to job creation, poverty eradication, and food self-reliance and to the GDP. Furthermore, the agricultural sector has been identified as one of the priority areas in Vision 2030 and the five-year National Development Plans.”
This significant funding boost from Nedbank Namibia signals a clear commitment from the private sector to collaborate with educational institutions and the government in nurturing the growth of Namibia’s agricultural sector, sowing the seeds for a more prosperous and food-secure future.
