The government plans to establish agro-processing centres all over Namibia, particularly in the rural areas.

President Nangolo Mbumba says the agro-processing centres would target youth, cooperatives, and farmers to add value to agricultural produce.

President Mbumba explained that the establishment of the agro-processing centres would enable the youth, cooperatives, and farmers to develop new products, contribute to economic activities in remote areas, and stimulate economic growth.

He shared Namibia's plans for food self-sufficiency during FOCAC's high-level meeting on industrialisation and agricultural modernisation.

He says for accelerated industrialisation, Namibia needs to enhance its agricultural production and efficient environmental responsiveness through green development.

Dr. Mbumba, however, added that for these centres to be a success, Namibia needs to acquire affordable small-scale technologies, equipment, and tools.

He told the meeting that Namibia therefore welcomes cooperation with China in this regard.

Technical assistance and capacity building for the agronomic industry in terms of skills development would go a long way in enhancing food security and sustainability.

Namibia currently exports beef to the Chinese market, as well as the EU and US markets.

Dr. Mbumba says this makes the agricultural sector an important foreign currency earner for the country.

The high-level meeting was convened under the theme "Industrialisation, Agricultural Modernisation, and Green Development: Routes to Modernisation.".

President Mbumba lauded the theme as being in line with Africa's priorities specifically Agenda 2063, which requires harnessing of all sectors of human development.