Namibia lifts maize seed import ban from South Africa

Maize field Photo: Namibia Agronomic Board

The Agriculture Ministry has lifted its temporary ban on maize seed imports from South Africa, after confirming that the recent outbreaks of Goss’s Wilt found in imported seeds pose a limited threat to grain quality.

The restriction, initially implemented as a precaution following reports of Goss’s Wilt, has now been lifted following a rigorous review and update of phytosanitary import measures. The new protocols will ensure safer seed imports moving forward.

Ministry Spokesperson Simon Nghipandulwa said: 

The move immediately restores importers’ ability to bring in both seeds and transit shipments once they meet the new health standards. The goal is to protect the country’s maize crop without causing unnecessary delays or shortages.