Discussions between President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and role players in the fishing industry have confirmed that the sector is unstable and facing a difficult transition.

Namibia's fishing industry, one of the biggest contributors to the economy, is heading into a transition.

As she concluded her two-day meeting with the industry in Walvis Bay, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said the sector is unstable and under pressure from both internal challenges and climate change.

"This fishing industry is unstable due to a number of factors, some within our control, while others, especially climate-related, are beyond our control. What is clear is that we are progressing into an industry transformation transition."

One of the major concerns is jobs. The government is already planning for possible job losses as the current redress programme comes to an end in 2027.

The President reminded companies and ministers to wind up the programme, but also pointed to deep divisions weakening workers' bargaining power.

Workers, you have also made yourself vulnerable by dividing yourself into small groups, and this has weakened you. We always say, 'United we stand, divided we fall'. And that has been the slogan of the workers. But the workers, they forgot it. Now they are divided, and they are going to fall."

Another major issue is trust within the industry, which the President believes can be reinforced through better communication and regular updates.

With scientific data indicating that some fish stocks are under pressure, the President also warned that sustainability can no longer be ignored.

"We are custodians of our natural resources for the future generation. And sometimes being a custodian requires difficult decisions, even if it means short-term sacrifice. Safeguarding these resources for future generations is not negotiable."

The President further announced a mid-year national fisheries indaba, where the future of Namibia's fishing sector – and thousands of livelihoods – will be decided.