Maize market in Namibia, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

The maize market size in Namibia contracted significantly from 476.5 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 183.0 thousand tonnes in 2023. This decline was primarily driven by a sharp reduction in imports, which fell from 417.2 thousand tonnes to 109.2 thousand tonnes over the period. Domestic production, however, showed volatility, rising from 59.3 thousand tonnes in 2018 to a peak of 98.9 thousand tonnes in 2022 due to favorable rainfall and expanded planted areas, before dropping to 73.9 thousand tonnes in 2023 under drier conditions.

Market regulation played a key role throughout the period. The Namibian Agronomic Board (NAMC) facilitated market access for small farmers and enforced the white maize marketing agreement, which governs local trade. In 2024, the government announced a provisional suspension of maize and millet imports to protect local producers until the domestic harvest was absorbed, reflecting ongoing efforts to support self-sufficiency. Additionally, large-scale irrigation projects like the Musese scheme attracted new producers, bolstering domestic supply capacity.

Regional climate and trade dynamics further influenced the market. Namibia relies heavily on imports from South Africa, and changes in neighboring countries’ export policies along with regional drought conditions—such as those reported in Kavango in early 2024—affected availability and prices. Recurring droughts also constrained local production, prompting continued import dependence despite investments in irrigation infrastructure aimed at achieving maize self-sufficiency.

Production maize in Namibia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of maize, 2017-2020

World map of production of maize, 2017-2020

Namibia's maize production rebounded in 2020 after two consecutive years of decline. The country produced 60 142 tonnes of maize that year, marking a significant 33.6% increase compared to 2019. Looking at the broader 2017-2020 period, production actually decreased by 15.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.4%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 45 000 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 24.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Namibia in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports maize from Namibia

Exports in kind, K t

The market showed considerable volatility during this period. From the low point in 2017 to the peak in 2019, export volumes varied by a factor of 146. In 2020, Namibia's maize exports totaled 0.1 thousand tonnes, representing a 62.5% year-over-year contraction. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 0.3 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 7 029.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Namibia in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, Angola and South Africa were the primary destinations for Namibia's maize exports, together accounting for 99.9% of total flows. Angola represented 75.9% of exports, while South Africa accounted for 23.9%.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Namibia in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

The data reveals irregular fluctuations, indicating a volatile market environment. From the trough in 2017 to the peak in 2019, export values changed by a factor of 11.8. In 2020, Namibia exported 37 thousand US dollars worth of maize, showing a dramatic 46.5% drop from the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 69 thousand US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 385.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Namibia in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

During the 2017-2020 period, Angola and South Africa dominated Namibia's maize exports in value terms, together representing 99.5% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Namibia in value, 2017-2020

Imports maize to Namibia

Imports in kind, K t

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout this timeframe. From the low point in 2017 to the peak in 2018, import volumes changed by a factor of 4.9. In 2020, Namibia's maize imports stood at 166.3 thousand tonnes, equivalent to a strong 15.6% decrease compared to the previous year. The maximum import volume was recorded in 2018 at 417.2 thousand tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 52.8%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 385.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Namibia in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, South Africa dominated Namibia's maize imports in volume terms, accounting for 96.8% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Namibia in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

After two years of growth, Namibia's maize imports declined in 2020. The country imported 38 505 thousand US dollars worth of maize that year, representing a robust 14.1% reduction compared to 2019. Over the entire 2017-2020 period, imports actually increased by 62.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 17.6%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 44 833 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 68.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Namibia in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, South Africa accounted for nearly all of Namibia's maize imports in value terms, with a share of 97.0% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Namibia in value, 2017-2020