Namibia initiates standardisation of fisheries sector

The African Organization for Standardization (ARSO) and the Namibian Standards Institution recently organised a two-day programme to raise awareness among Namibia’s fisheries and aquaculture communities about the role of coordinated African standards to advance sustainable economic development, food security and regional trade

“Standards are not just a technical requirement; they are identified as an economic driver,” said Diina Nashidengo, director of the Commerce Directorate at the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy, explaining its influence in market expansion. 

"By developing harmonised African standards, we move to dismantle trade barriers," Nashidengo said, while explaining how a wider integration can facilitate the mutual recognition of conformity assessment results, reduce delays at border crossings and lower compliance costs for businesses. 

Nashidengo spoke at an awareness programme on the implementation of harmonized African standards and conformity assessment in fisheries and aquaculture, held recently in the coastal town of Walvis Bay.

Fisheries are integral to Namibia's economy, largely driving the country's export business as well. Harmonised standards would solidify Namibia's hold over international markets while promoting sustainable production. 

Namibia is associated with multiple regional and international standardisation bodies, including ARSO, the International Organization for Standardization and the Southern African Development Community Cooperation in Standardization.