STAFF WRITER
Namibia Professional Hunting Association (NAPHA) says they are open to working with black people in a bid to grow the industry.
In a statement released this week, NAPHA president Hannes du Plessis said there is a need for dialogue from all stakeholders to find a solution to creating an all inclusive industry.
His sentiments come after Namibia Association of Trophy Hunting Operators, (NATHO) chairperson Corrie Mensah told Namibia Business Review last week that the hunting industry does not benefit black hunters-three decades after independence.
“NAPHA is an institution open to anyone with interest in the hunting community. Membership is available at various levels, from camp attendant through to sponsoring and ordinary members and we welcome new members who wish to be part of contribute to the association,” du Plessis said.
He added that, “It is a pity that this conversation is now happening through headlines rather than across the table because the willingness to work together has always been there.”
Du Plessis said any Namibian willing to join the hunting industry must feel to do so through the exams.
“NAPHA remains committed to expanding opportunities for training and development. Including hosting further courses for the previously disadvantaged. The aim is to lower barriers while maintaining the professional standards that underpin Namibia’s reputation in conservation hunting,” du Plessis said.
According to du Plessis, issues where Namibian black hunters have been sidelined or stopped from canvassing for business at the Dallas Safari Club are within the guidelines of the organisers of such events.
“Participation at such shows is strictly governed by international rules. Only registered exhibitors who have paid booth space may market or sell services. This is not about exclusion but about fairness towards those who invest significantly in building their presence over time,” du Plessis said.
Last week, Mensah from Namibia Association of Trophy Hunting Operators, (NATHO) said efforts have been made to empower members and collaborate with NAPHA, but opportunities remain scarce.
“Obviously this might come out as a sensitive issue, but it is something that we need to tackle and find ways of dealing with,” he said.
Even when Namibia Tourism Board (NTB) organises joint trips to tackle the problem, Mensah says inequalities still persist during these engagements.
“We have gone for a few trips outside the country, including our counterparts at NAPHA. But while we are at these exhibitions, we are told we are not allowed to give out our business cards or canvass for business like our counterparts at NAPHA, as we are not recognised,” he said.
Mensah cited a specific example.
“A good example is a trip we went on to Dallas in the United States a few years back. While we were both hosted by the NTB, we were not allowed to engage clients. This never made sense to me because others in the same tent were doing the same,” he said.
He added that even those who manage to enter the industry face structural barriers.
“Even if most of the black hunters or potential hunters are trained and given all the knowledge, they still do not have anywhere to build these businesses because they do not have farms. One needs a good game farm to venture into this business,” he said.
Mensah said land access remains a key issue that the government needs to address.
“It is something that we have always asked from the government — that they also need to consider game farms when dealing with land distribution,” he said.
He added that legal requirements further disadvantage black hunters.
“In some cases, even if one has a farm and the resources, we are still required by law to work with professional hunters,” he said.
Mensah said it’s difficult to conduct business in this current setting.
“Imagine if I get a foreign client that wants to come and hunt, for example a leopard. I still cannot execute the hunt myself. I must go to colleagues who have always been privileged to execute the hunt at my farm because there are not many professional black hunters in the country.”
He added “at the end of the day, most of our members are left with nothing, as they have to pay all the earnings to the professional hunters,” he said.
According to figures released last month by environment, forestry and tourism minister Indileni Daniel, Namibia generated about N$292.5 million from trophy hunting between 2013 and 2024.
Daniel said the industry has provided significant income to communal conservancies.
“From 2013 to 2024, communal conservancies earned about N$166 million through joint venture tourism, while hunting earned about N$292 million,” she said.
This means trophy hunting generated N$166.3 million more than joint venture tourism over the same period.
Daniel said conservation hunting is part of Namibia’s broader sustainable development strategy. She explained that it involves selective, high-value hunts where international clients pay to hunt older animals.
Environment, forestry and tourism ministry spokesperson Vilho Hangula last week said the industry is governed by law and should benefit all Namibians.
“The hunting industry in Namibia is governed by the Nature Conservation Ordinance of 1975 and makes provision for hunting of specific wildlife for conservation purposes and rural economic development,” he said.
He said all people, including the previously disadvantaged, can participate in the industry provided they are registered, licensed with all required permits and adhere to all outlined rules and regulations.
Hangula acknowledged that barriers to entry exist but said organisation within the sector could help.
“Entry in any industry is always a challenge. One way to address this problem is through proper organisation, such as forming hunting associations and support groups to foster rapport with experienced professionals,” he said.
He added “the ministry proffers its ironclad resolve to develop the Namibian hunting industry further and promote socio-economic development for all Namibians.”
NTB Spokesperson Flora Quest said they continue to create platforms that promote participation of previously disadvantaged Namibians across the tourism value chain.
“Through trade shows, stakeholder engagements, and capacity-building initiatives, we actively encourage broader representation and visibility.
“Regarding concerns about canvassing for business during NTB-organised marketing activities, it is important to note that such platforms are often structured to promote Namibia as a destination collectively, rather than individual businesses exclusively. However, participants are encouraged to network, build relationships, and position their services within agreed guidelines. NTB remains open to engaging stakeholders to refine these approaches to ensure equitable benefit while maintaining the integrity and objectives of national marketing efforts,”Quest said.
She said inclusivity in the hunting industry is critical for sustainable tourism development and national economic growth.
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