The Right
Honorable Prime Minister, Dr Elijah Ngurare Applauds Agribank’s Outstanding NYDF
Performance and Announces Additional N$20 Million Allocation
The
Prime Minister of the Republic of Namibia, the Right Honourable Dr Elijah
Ngurare, has commended Agribank for the progress achieved in implementing the
National Youth Development Fund (NYDF) and announced that the Bank will receive
an additional N$20 million on top of allocated 40million to expand financing
and provide training for youth-led agricultural enterprises.
The
announcement was made during the Prime Minister’s visit to Agribank. Agribank
is one of the development finance
institutions mandated to implement the NYDF. The visit formed part of
engagements with the Fund’s implementing institutions to gain first-hand
insight into their operating environments, implementation progress, challenges
and opportunities.
The
Prime Minister emphasised that agriculture remains a key priority of the Eighth
Administration. He noted that the NYDF is intended to address historic barriers
that have limited young people’s access to credit, and that past Government-supported
agricultural programmes, such as the Affirmative Action Loan Scheme and Resettlement
programmes.
Following
a presentation by Agribank’s Executive Management, the Prime Minister expressed
satisfaction with the Bank’s performance. Of the N$40 million allocated to
Agribank under the NYDF, approximately N$23 million has been approved
benefiting 66 young people through youth led agribusiness. The approved funding
is concentrated in key agricultural sectors including poultry, horticulture,
piggery, agro-processing and aquaculture with projects spread across all 14
regions of the country. In addition, approximately 1400 loan applications are
currently under review, demonstrating the continued demand for funding under
the NYDF and the Bank`s commitment to supporting youth participation in the
agricultural sector.
Highly
impressed and pleased with Agribank’s strong performance on NYDF, the Prime
Minister further congratulated Agribank on its capacity-building contribution,
including training and advisory support that has reached more than 70,000
farmers and placed over 300 farmers under mentorship since the programme’s inception
in 2017.
The
Right Honorable Prime Minister called on Agribank to provide practical support to
support the youth who may struggle to prepare viable business proposals and to
strengthen training. He underscored that NYDF beneficiaries should be assessed
in accordance with the Fund’s approved framework and no additional
requirements, such as collateral or educational qualifications should be
introduced.
“Every
successful enterprise starts with an idea. Our collective responsibility is to
help young Namibians develop those ideas into viable and sustainable
businesses,” the Prime Minister said. He also emphasised the need for synergies
among Government and other stakeholders to unlock greater impact for young
entrepreneurs.
ENDS
Issued by: Agribank of Namibia
Media enquiries: Marketing and Customer Strategy Department
Telephone: +264 61 207 4111
Email: info@agribank.com.na
The Right Honorable Prime Minister, Dr Elijah Ngurare Applauds Agribank’s Outstanding NYDF Performance and Announces Additional N$20 Million Allocation
The
Prime Minister of the Republic of Namibia, the Right Honourable Dr Elijah
Ngurare, has commended Agribank for the progress achieved in implementing the
National Youth Development Fund (NYDF) and announced that the Bank will receive
an additional N$20 million on top of allocated 40million to expand financing
and provide training for youth-led agricultural enterprises.
The
announcement was made during the Prime Minister’s visit to Agribank. Agribank
is one of the development finance
institutions mandated to implement the NYDF. The visit formed part of
engagements with the Fund’s implementing institutions to gain first-hand
insight into their operating environments, implementation progress, challenges
and opportunities.
The
Prime Minister emphasised that agriculture remains a key priority of the Eighth
Administration. He noted that the NYDF is intended to address historic barriers
that have limited young people’s access to credit, and that past Government-supported
agricultural programmes, such as the Affirmative Action Loan Scheme and Resettlement
programmes.
Following
a presentation by Agribank’s Executive Management, the Prime Minister expressed
satisfaction with the Bank’s performance. Of the N$40 million allocated to
Agribank under the NYDF, approximately N$23 million has been approved
benefiting 66 young people through youth led agribusiness. The approved funding
is concentrated in key agricultural sectors including poultry, horticulture,
piggery, agro-processing and aquaculture with projects spread across all 14
regions of the country. In addition, approximately 1400 loan applications are
currently under review, demonstrating the continued demand for funding under
the NYDF and the Bank`s commitment to supporting youth participation in the
agricultural sector.
Highly
impressed and pleased with Agribank’s strong performance on NYDF, the Prime
Minister further congratulated Agribank on its capacity-building contribution,
including training and advisory support that has reached more than 70,000
farmers and placed over 300 farmers under mentorship since the programme’s inception
in 2017.
The
Right Honorable Prime Minister called on Agribank to provide practical support to
support the youth who may struggle to prepare viable business proposals and to
strengthen training. He underscored that NYDF beneficiaries should be assessed
in accordance with the Fund’s approved framework and no additional
requirements, such as collateral or educational qualifications should be
introduced.
“Every
successful enterprise starts with an idea. Our collective responsibility is to
help young Namibians develop those ideas into viable and sustainable
businesses,” the Prime Minister said. He also emphasised the need for synergies
among Government and other stakeholders to unlock greater impact for young
entrepreneurs.
ENDS
Issued by: Agribank of Namibia
Media enquiries: Marketing and Customer Strategy Department
Telephone: +264 61 207 4111
Email: info@agribank.com.na
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Agribank's Newly Appointed CEO Assumes Duty
Agribank is pleased to announce that its newly appointed Chief Executive
Officer (CEO), Mr Robert Eiman, officially assumed duty on Wednesday, 1 July
2026, commencing his five-year term at the helm of Namibia's premier
agricultural lender.
Mr Eiman takes over the leadership of Agribank at a pivotal time as the
institution embarks on an ambitious organisational transformation aimed at
strengthening its impact and long-term sustainability. The transformation seeks
to position the bank to effectively respond to evolving economic conditions,
the growing effects of climate change, low agricultural productivity, and
fragmented agricultural value chains, while continuing to deliver innovative
and inclusive agricultural finance solutions.
He comes at a significant moment in Agribank's journey, following the
recent appointment of a new Board of Directors. The Board is chaired by Ms
Silvia Makgone, with Prof Colin Stanley serving as Deputy Chairperson. Other
members are Ms Victoria Mbundje, Mr Kingsley Kwenani, Ms Foibe Fabiano, Dr Omu
Kakujaha-Matundu, and Mr Adrianus Vugs. The Board will serve a three-year term,
providing strategic oversight as the Bank advances its mandate.
Speaking during a staff address, Ms Makgone, Agribank’s Board
Chairperson, reaffirmed the Board’s full support for Mr Eiman. She further emphasised
the importance of fiduciary responsibility, turnaround leadership and a
purpose-driven approach that is firmly connected to the Bank’s vision, noting
that such leadership is critical in positioning Agribank to achieve its
strategic aspirations and secure its rightful place as a catalyst for
agricultural development.
Mr Eiman is a seasoned executive with extensive experience spanning
microfinance, commercial, corporate banking and development finance. He joins
Agribank from Nampost Financial Brokers (POSTFIN), where he served as CEO.
Prior to that, he held senior leadership positions at the Development Bank of
Namibia and First National Bank of Namibia, reflecting a strong strategic
profile.
Mr Eiman expressed his excitement about joining the Bank and his
enthusiasm for learning and working alongside a team united by a common
purpose. He reaffirmed his commitment to advancing Agribank's mandate and
supporting farmers, agri-preneurs and agribusinesses in achieving greater
success.
ENDSIssued by:Public Relations OfficeFor inquiries, kindly contact the Marketing and
Communications Division. Tel.: 061 2074111 Email:
info@agribank.com.na
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Agribank Appoints New Chief Executive Officer
The Board of Directors for the
Agricultural Bank of Namibia (Agribank) is pleased to announce the appointment
of Mr Robert Eiman as the Bank’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective 1
July 2026.
Mr Eiman succeeds Dr Raphael Karuaihe,
who retiredon 31 March 2026, following his
dedicated service and contribution to the Bank. In the interim, the Board has
appointed the Chief Financial Officer, Mr Abel Akayombokwa, as Acting CEO until
30 June 2026.
Mr Eiman is a seasoned Executive with
extensive experience across Micro Finance, Commercial, Corporate Banking and
Development Finance. Furthermore, Mr Eiman has experience in preparing,
evaluating and structuring larger deals in various industries as well as
strategy development and implementation. Mr Eiman holds a Master of Business
Administration from the Maastricht University School of Business and Economics
in the Netherlands.
He joins Agribank from Nampost Financial Brokers (POSTFIN),
where he served as CEO,and has previously held senior positions at
the Development Bank of
Namibia and First
National Bank of Namibia, wherehe has demonstrated
his skills in transformational leadership, strategic orientation, credit risk
management, market analysis, banking operations, and client service management,
among others.
The Board welcomes Mr Eiman and look
forward to leveraging his leadership skills, strategic insights, and financial
industry knowledge to lead the Bank into its next phase of growth,
sustainability, and impact. Mr Eiman’s appointment comes at a pivotal time when
the Bank is embarking on an organisational transformation to respond to
challenges of complex economic dynamics, climate change, low agriculture
productivity and fragmented agriculture value chains.
Therefore, the Board is confident that
he will lead the Bank through its transformation phase and beyond, while
navigating the balance between its developmental mandate and long-term
financial sustainability. Additionally, the Board would like to extend its
sincere appreciation to Dr Karuaihe, the outgoing CEO, for his leadership,
dedicated service and valuable contribution to the Bank’s progress during his
tenure.
When
informed about his appointment, Mr Eiman demonstrated optimism on the role
ahead indicating that, “I am honoured to serve in this role and look forward
to building on the foundation laid by my predecessors, while steering the Bank
towards long-term sustainable growth and contributing to the transformation of
the agricultural sector”.
END.
Issued by:
Mr Josephat Mwatotele
Board ChairpersonFor enquiries, kindly
contact the Marketing and Communications Division. Tel.: 061 2074111 Email:
info@agribank.com.na
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Implementation of Arrears Relief Programme
1. Agribank has announced the commencement of the implementation phase of its Arrears
Relief Programme, starting 2 February 2026. The programme, launched last year
September, is aimed at assisting clients who have fallen behind on their loan
repayments, while strengthening the Bank’s loan recovery efforts through an
incentivised and supportive approach.
2. The
programme is open to all Agribank clients whose accounts are in pre-legal or
legal status. Participating clients will benefit from a 100% write-off of
penalty interest, subject to conditions. Pre-legal clients are required to pay
at least 20% of their arrear balance (loan instalment and interest portion,
excluding penalty interest), while legal clients must pay at least 25% of their
arrear balance under the same terms. Additional benefits include de-listing
from the credit bureau, where applicable, voluntary advisory services tailored
to client needs, and, where suitable, opportunities for project publicity and
marketing support.
3. Once the
required portion of the arrears is paid, the remaining arrear balance will be
ring-fenced, and no further interest will be charged on that amount. The
ring-fenced balance may be repaid for a period of up to 60 months, through
equal monthly, quarterly, or bi-annual instalments. Clients will sign an
addendum to the loan agreement to formalise the arrangement, and where legal
actions have already been instituted, the repayment arrangement will be signed
as an Order of Court. Clients must, however, continue to service all new and
ongoing instalments as they fall due.
4. Failure to
honour the agreed repayment arrangement will result in the reinstatement of
penalty interest and continuation of recovery processes. Defaulting on any
other loan obligations may also lead to the revocation of relief benefits.
Relief under this programme is granted once per client, unless otherwise
revised.
5. The application window will run for six months from 2 February until 31 August 2026,
and interested clients are advised to visit their nearest Agribank offices to
apply within this period.
6. Beyond the
Arrears Relief Programme, Agribank continues to cushion farmers against
challenges such as drought through climate responsive financing products, provision
of advisory services to improve productivity, and collaboration with Government
and other stakeholders on relief measures as and when required. These efforts
aim to sustain farmers during difficult periods while ensuring sustainability
of the Bank’s loan book.
END.
Issued by:
Dr Raphael Karuaihe
Chief Executive Officer
For
inquiries, kindly contact the Marketing and Communications Division. Tel.: 061
2074111 Email:
info@agribank.com.na
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