Nedbank Namibia invests N$560 000 in Agra Agricultural Academy
Education at the forefront
Significant funding boost will support skills development and training for aspiring agricultural professionals in Namibia.
Nedbank Namibia has announced its sponsorship of N$560 000 towards the Agra Agricultural Academy, a significant step towards enhancing skills development and training in various agricultural disciplines.The academy, managed by Agra ProVision, a subsidiary of Agra Limited, offers students the opportunity to pursue national certificates and diplomas in fields such as plant production, animal production, advanced farm management, agricultural extension, and agri-sales and services.
Affiliated with the International Agricultural Academy for Africa, the Agra Agricultural Academy provides accredited online training through the South African Qualification Authority, ensuring education and training of a high standard.
Nedbank Namibia has committed to sponsoring national certificate and national diploma students, providing financial assistance of N$560 000 for 2025. This funding will cover each student’s registration and tuition fees, making education more accessible to aspiring agricultural professionals.
Speaking at the handover, Nedbank Namibia MD Martha Murorua highlighted the importance of the agricultural sector in the economy.
“I am not disclosing any trade secrets if I profess that the agricultural sector has been a key strategic pillar in our strategic plan, and it will remain so for the immediate future. We are keenly aware of our percentage share of loans and advances within the banking sector, and we also understand what it is that we need to do to keep broadening our economic impact,” Murorua said.
Role of education in agriculture
Agra Limited Chief Executive Officer, Arnold Klein, reiterated Agra’s role in the agriculture industry.
“Since we formed the Agra ProVision to focus on capacity building and training in Namibia, Agra has got a shareholding of more than 3 800 shareholders. Of the 3 800, 75% are active farmers in Namibia. We are proud to say that we are proud taxpayers because we understand the importance of tax in Namibia for the government to do what is needed to support the economy of this beautiful country,” Klein said.
Agriculture minister Inge Zaamwani in a speech delivered on behalf of Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare, commended the entities on the initiative.
“Attaining food sufficiency is one of the key priorities of our government. To achieve this, we recognise that the support of all Namibians including corporate entities like Nedbank is of paramount importance,” Ngurare said.
"As a country, we consider the agricultural sector a priority and an enabler that will contributes to our socio-economic development. Indeed, the agricultural sector contributes to job creation, poverty eradication, and food self-reliant and to the GDP. Furthermore, the agricultural sector has been identified as one of the priority areas in Vision 2030 and the five-year National Development Plans," Ngurare added.