Namibia is poised to achieve a record white maize harvest in 2026, with preliminary forecasts from the Namibian Agronomic Board (NAB) indicating a total of 111,447 tonnes. This figure represents a significant increase of 37% compared to the previous season. 

This follows above-normal rainfall received during the planting period, from December to the end of January.

Although such forecasts are often overestimated, producers at the Agronomy Producers' Association (APA) agreed during their annual general meeting this month that the final harvest figure could still reach approximately 100,000 tonnes.

This record level brings immediate challenges.

With May and June alone expected to deliver three times the normal monthly demand, severe storage shortages are likely. 

But NAB's Manager of Agronomy Development, Loide Uahengo, assures farmers that industry leaders are already exploring solutions, including possible silo-bag support for producers.