Thousands raised to ensure another successful Lüderitz Crayfish Festival

An amount of N$778,500.00 was raised in pledges towards the 19th edition of the Lüderitz Crayfish Festival at a fundraising gala dinner hosted at the Lüderitz Waterfront Multi-Purpose Hall in the harbour town on Friday (27 March).   

MTC Namibia (the main corporate sponsor of the festival) and Standard Bank each pledged N$150,000 towards the upcoming edition of the festival slated for 28 April to 3 May, while Sydney Martin, the patron of the festival, pledged N$100,000. 

More than 300 persons, including dignitaries and representatives of various stakeholders in the fishing industry, attended the “Harvesting Sustainability, Empowering Communities" themed event with Inge Zaamwani, the minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Land Reform, as the keynote speaker.  

“The Lüderitz Crayfish Festival has become a key national event that attracts participants from across the country. The festival has, over the years, grown into one of the signature cultural and tourism events on our national calendar. It showcases not only the exceptional seafood for which this town is renowned but also the creativity of our entrepreneurs, artists, fishermen and hospitality sector,” Zaamwani said.    

The minister added, “The Crayfish Festival is about ensuring that Namibians from all walks of life are made aware of the potential that crayfish offer not only as a protein but also as a means to support livelihoods. Beyond entertainment, the festival contributes to local economic activity, stimulates tourism, supports small and medium‑sized enterprises, and creates seasonal employment opportunities for the residents of Lüderitz and the surrounding areas,” she said.

Zaamwaani highlighted that crayfish is more than a delicacy. “It is a symbol of resilience. It thrives in the cold, turbulent waters of the Atlantic. In much the same way, the people of Lüderitz are resilient and adaptable to the changing dynamics. You have weathered changes, embraced opportunities and continued to contribute meaningfully to our national journey,” she said.

The minister further emphasised that Namibia’s fisheries and marine resource management strategies represent an intergenerational contract and that the country is internationally recognized as a leader in responsible marine resource management. “It is a promise that what we inherit, we will preserve, strengthen, and pass this resource on to the next generation. However, our true measure of success lies in how much of the value for our blue economy is translated into meaningful employment opportunities and value‑added products and the benefits are shared with communities, especially those residing closer to where the resources are harvested,” she said. 

The minister also reminded the attendees that Namibia's marine resources are more than an economic asset. “They are a cornerstone of Namibia’s food security. For decades, the ocean has fed our people, sustained thousands of jobs, and supported communities along our coastline,” Zaamwani concluded.