Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare has noted that digital reform could answer a critical question about who really benefits from the country's fish.

Dr. Ngurare revealed at the Fisheries Indaba that Namibia is turning to technology to bring greater transparency to its billion-dollar fishing industry—and ensure its marine resources deliver real benefits to Namibians.

A new digital dashboard developed by Namibian experts was revealed at the first National Fisheries Indaba in Walvis Bay.

It is set to give the government a clearer picture of what is happening across the fisheries sector.

“The directive that the President has given is that she would like to see a dashboard of that nature in her office so that she is able to check, at the press of a button, how the fishing sector is performing. We saw the digital platform and the dashboard, and an agreement concluded. The meeting next week is for this synergy to be created. We need not work in silos because work has already started on this dashboard, and the expertise has been found here in Walvis Bay.”

Dr. Ngurare said having an integrated digital platform at the click of a button could help determine whether economic empowerment in the sector is genuine.

He warned that failing to implement the reforms from the Indaba could be fatal to the country's future.

“Namibia will not merely preserve a successful fishing sector. We will strengthen a transparent, inclusive, sustainable, and globally competitive blue economy capable of serving present and future generations. If we fail to act where the evidence requires action, the costs will not be confined to fishing companies or government institutions. They will be felt in the resources themselves, jobs, household incomes, coastal economies, public revenue, investor confidence, and the opportunities available to future generations.”

The Premier added that digital reform, backed by science and strong institutions, can help ensure Namibia's fishing industry becomes more transparent, inclusive, and beneficial to its people.