The Turkish Embassy has donated food aid worth approximately N$350,000 to support Namibia's drought relief efforts. This donation comes in response to the state of emergency declared due to this year's drought.

The aid includes 2,000 kilograms of maize, 760 litres of cooking oil, 1,000 kilograms of canned fish, and 500 kilograms of soya mince, which will be distributed to families most affected by the drought across the country.

Turkish Ambassador Feral Oruçkaptan noted that the food aid was locally sourced, benefiting Namibian producers and retailers as well. She also highlighted Turkey's commitment to addressing climate change through sustainable solutions, supported by projects led by the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA).

Namibia's Deputy Prime Minister, John Mutorwa, expressed deep gratitude to the Turkish Government for their ongoing support, noting that this assistance would help safeguard the lives and livelihoods of vulnerable communities severely impacted by the drought.

"We thank the government and people of Turkey for this assistance. We assure you that the food will reach its intended recipients — the vulnerable people who are in urgent need," Mutorwa said.

Namibia has experienced a severe drought this past rainfall season, leading to poor crop yields, diminished rangelands, and water shortages. In response, the government is implementing a Comprehensive Drought Relief Programme that includes food assistance, seed support, livestock aid, and water provision, with an estimated cost of N$1.6 billion.

So far, the government has allocated N$800 million, leaving a funding gap of over N$600 million. The Cabinet has recently approved an additional N$16 million from the National Emergency Fund to increase regional funding, and plans are underway to enroll 64,525 more households into the drought relief programme for the 2025/2026 financial year, with an estimated cost of N$256 million.