Namibia
Namibia's economy is deeply rooted in its natural resources. Mining, fisheries, agriculture and tourism together form the backbone of the country's GDP, and biodiversity generates an estimated N$13 billion in revenue annually. With rich ecosystems, endemic species and a strong commitment to sustainable resource management embedded in its constitution and national development plans, Namibia has both the incentive and the foundation to build a thriving bioeconomy.
FAO in Namibia
Since 2021, FAO has worked alongside Namibia's National Commission on Research, Science and Technology (NCRST) to develop the country's first National Sustainable Bioeconomy Strategy. This included stocktaking of the existing bioeconomy landscape, stakeholder consultations across all 14 regions, and the drafting of the strategy and its monitoring framework. The strategy was officially launched in Windhoek on 6 June 2024.
Namibia's Bioeconomy Strategy
Namibia's bioeconomy extends well beyond farming and fishing. Indigenous natural products such as Devil's Claw, Hoodia, Marula and Ximenia already contribute around 4.5% to GDP, while ecotourism and biosciences add further dimensions to what the country's biological resources can offer. The National Sustainable Bioeconomy Strategy 2024-2029 sets out a whole-of-economy vision, spanning agriculture, health and natural resource management.
"A vibrant bioeconomy that drives innovation, conservation, and sustainable utilisation of biological resources." Namibia Sustainable Bioeconomy Strategy 2024–2029