The Namibian Agronomic Board (NAB)and AvaGro are pleased to announce a significant milestone achieved in the Banana Project. On the 27th of February 2024, the project successfully planted 2,222 tissue culture banana seedlings of two varieties during its first field trial on a one-hectare (1ha) plot at Mango Vuluzi farm in the Singalamwe area, in the Zambezi production zone.
Mr Eliaser Asser was appointed Manager: Governance, Legal and Risk Management in March 2022.
Mr. Asser is an admitted legal practitioner of the High Court of Namibia and holds a Bachelor of Laws (honours) degree from the University of Namibia (UNAM).
He possesses over 10 years of experience in the corporate environment focusing specifically on mergers and acquisitions, legal services, risk and compliance management and corporate governance in various industries such as property development, renewable energy and insurance. In addition, Mr Eliaser previously served as a trustee of the Blackthorn Square Body Corporate and 1990 South Development Body Corporate and currently serves as an independent non-executive director at Lavoro Insurance Namibia Ltd.
Mr Severin Shilongo was appointed Manager: ICT in November 2019.
Mr Shilongo holds a Master of Business Administration degree (MBA) and a Post-Graduate diploma in Procurement Management from Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), as well as, an honours degree of Information Technology in Computer Networking and a Bachelor’s degree in Systems Administration and Networks, all obtained at the Polytechnic of Namibia (Now NUST).
In addition to the above, Mr Shilongo has a strong background in ICT complemented with leadership and management skills. He has more than 10 years of experience in the ICT field having worked at the Office of the President, Anti-corruption Commission of Namibia as well as Agro Marketing & Trade Agency prior to joining the NAB.
Mr. Melchiol Ambunda was appointed as the Manager: Food Safety and Standards Compliance Services in January 2023.
Mr Ambunda holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science and Technology from the University of Putra Malaysia.
He brings with him 14 years of experience in the food industry, ranging from standards development, conformity assessment and accreditation of conformity assessment bodies. In addition, he is a SADCAS registered Technical Assessor for certification bodies that provide certification of QMS (ISO 9001), FSMS (ISO 22000) and HACCP system.
Mr Immanuel Haihonya was appointed Manager: Human Resources and Administration in August 2022.
Mr Haihonya holds a Master of Science degree in Psychology from the University of South Wales in the United Kingdom, and an Honours Degree in Human Resource Management from Namibia University of Science & Technology (NUST).
He previously worked as a Manager for OD, Performance Management and Training at the Business and Intellectual Property Authority (BIPA).
In addition to the above, Mr Haihonya has a strong background in Human Resources Management and Administration complemented by leadership and management skills.
Dr Mwazi is a well-seasoned Researcher, GIS and Remote Sensing Expert, and Crop Scientist with over 20 years of work experience in the agronomic and horticulture industry, as well as in the academic and research environment.
He holds a PhD in Agriculture (Crop Science) and a Master’s Degree in Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation (Sustainable Agriculture). Dr Mwazi has an extensive managerial background at executive levels at both local and international organizations, where he served in the cross agricultural field mainly in agronomic and horticultural sectors.
Dr Mwazi is a self-driven exemplary leader with a proven track record in successful strategic implementations that are guided and inspired by research, specialised expertise and stakeholder satisfaction.
He aims to further push the agenda of food self-sufficiency and increased food production through sustainable agricultural interventions driven by research and collaborative efforts from the public and private sectors.
Mr. Gilbert Mate Mulonda is the General Manager: Agronomy and Horticulture Market Development, and he joined the Namibian Agronomic Board (NAB) team on 01 January 2020.
Mr. Mulonda holds a Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Marketing Management, a Bachelor of Agricultural Management Honours, and a Bachelor of Technology in Agricultural Management, as well as a National Diploma in Natural Resource Management (Agriculture). He is currently studying towards a Master’s Degree in Agribusiness Management.
Furthermore, Mulonda brings along a rich 12 years of proven progressive work experience predominately in the agronomy, horticulture and livestock industry, of which 8 years were at management level in various capacities and organizations, leading the operations, including providing overall strategic direction and technical backing to the team. He has also undergone various work-related trainings in strategic management, total quality management system, trade facilitation, marketing, and product quality, as well as food safety standards.
Ms. Lorna T. Shikongo-Kuvare joined the NAB as the General Manager: Regulations on 01 April 2021.
Lorna holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture degree from the University of Namibia, a Master of Veterinary Public Health from the University of Pretoria, and is currently completing her thesis for the Master of Business Administration at the Namibia Business School.
Prior to joining the NAB, Lorna worked as a Lecturer for various undergraduate courses at Ogongo Campus and as Manager for Quality Assurance at MeatCo. Furthermore, she has been at the center of the strategic development of the certification function at the Namibian Standards Institution for the past ten years. She has contributed to the functionality of Namibia’s National Quality Infrastructure, more specifically in the achievement of accreditation for the Certification of Quality Management System to ISO 9001:2015, the Certification of Food Safety Management System to ISO 22000, the recognition of the Food Safety System Certification 22000 Certification Scheme by the FSSC Foundation, the confirmation of auditor competence with SAATCA for both Quality Management System (QMS) and Food Safety Management System (FSMS).
Over the years, she has led the establishment of a fully-fledged Product Certification Scheme based on ISO/IEC 17065, leading to the certification of products and issuance of the Namibian Standards Mark of Conformity. Her previous experiences include the formulation of technical regulations, leading to their publication in the Government Gazette, and enforcement thereof.
Lorna is a well-known professional in the regional and international standardization structures, and earned significant standings representing Namibia as a member of the Southern African Development Community Cooperation in Accreditation (SADCA) from 2015 to 2021, as Chairperson of the SADCAS Advisory Committee for Certification Bodies Accreditation Scheme (CBAS) from 2018 to 2021, and as Co-Chair of the African Regional Organization for Standardization Conformity Assessment Committee (ARSO/CACO) from 2017 to 2021, and as a Member of the Conformity Assessment Committee of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO/CASCO) since 2011.
Lorna has facilitated trade facilitation partnerships through the conclusion of mutual recognition arrangements by the Botswana Bureau of Standards (BOBS) and South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) as an inspection body to certify Namibian products destined for trade in the Botswana and RSA markets.
She has also contributed and overseen several standard development projects, amongst others the drafting and publication of standards regarding the marketing and commercial quality control of grapes and dates in Namibia.
Mr Wesele Chikwililwa was appointed as the Manager: Corporate Governance & Communication in October 2020.
Mr Chikwililwa is an admitted legal practitioner in the High Court of Namibia and his areas of specialization include contract law, commercial law, estates law, company law, criminal law, civil litigation, compliance management and auditing as well as Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing.
Mr Chikwililwa holds both a Baccalaureus Juris Degree (B. Juris degree) and a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) degree from the University of Namibia. Furthermore, he holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Compliance, from the University of Johannesburg, Advanced Diplomas in Advanced Company Law and Pension Funds Law from the University of South Africa as well as an Advanced Diploma in Business Project Management with the University of Cape Town.
Mr Chikwililwa was previously employed at the Namibia Post Limited Company, where he managed numerous legal/business projects relating to the legal compliance aspects of the Financial Intelligence Act 13 of 2012. He is currently responsible for drafting legal opinions and advising the NAB’s business units on legal matters, particularly those relating to the company’s top 10 high-risk legislation. Chikwililwa is also responsible for managing the company’s legal and compliance matters, corporate communication and executes company secretarial functions on behalf of the NAB.
Ms Shamhe was appointed as the Manager: Human Resources and Administration in April 2020.
Ms Shamhe holds an Honours Degree in Human Resources Management, BA (Industrial Psychology), Diploma in Labour and Employment Studies, Diploma in Transformation Leadership, Diploma in Virtue Leadership Development Program, Diploma in Adult Education and Community Development as well as a Diploma in Transformation Leadership. In addition to the above, Ms Shamhe is studying towards a Master of Management (Course Work).
Ms Shamhe has over 12 years of experience in the Human resources field, having worked for different companies namely: Namibia Planned Parenthood Association, Namibia Post Limited and Agricultural Bank of Namibia.
Mr Esegiel Itebeleng Serogwe was appointed as the Manager: Border Control Inspectorate in March 2020.
He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture Honours (UNAM), A certificate in General Management (Southern Business School) and an ISO 9001:2015 Lead Auditor Certificate (DQS, South Africa, NQF Level 6).
Furthermore, Esegiel has over 16 years of progressive experience in the Agricultural Industry (Livestock and Horticultural industries). He worked for various institutions including the Ministry of Agriculture Water and Forestry, now MAW&LR (Animal Health Technician, Extension Officer, Scientific Officer), UNAM (Research Assistant), Meat Board (Chief FAN Meat) and as a consultant for a couple of NGOs as Agricultural Project Coordinator; of which 6 years were in middle management and 5 years supervisory level.
He has contributed to the piloting and implementation of various projects during his years at various institutions in the Agriculture industry, including the commercialization of post-resettlement farming units in the Khomas region and the Certification of FAN Meat as ISO 9001 certified internationally.
Barbara Snyders-Bock was appointed as a GM for Finance, Admin and HR in February 2020. Prior to that she served as a Financial Manager at the NAB for 19 years’ and was also responsible for Human Resources and Information Technology.
Barbara holds a Bcom degree in Management Accounting. Her strategic approach is the development of structures and systems compliance.
Mr Gerson Kandjungu Kampungu was appointed as the Manager: Research and Policy Development in July 2020.
He holds a Master’s degree in Agriculture Economics Management and a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture (Agriculture Economics).
He previously worked as a lecturer at the University of Namibia (UNAM), specialising in Agricultural Policy Analysis, Development Economics, Resource Economics, Rural Development, and Rural Sociology. Furthermore, he brings along proven research work experience.
He has authored and co-authored research publications in peer-reviewed journals presented research papers at Conferences, and currently contributing a Book Chapter to the book titled: Covid-19: A Global Pandemic, A Namibian Perspective.
Ms Uahengo was appointed as the Manager for Agronomy Market Development in July 2020.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources and a Master Degree in International Trade as well as a Master Degree in Business Administration.
Ms Uahengo has 18 years of work experience in the fisheries and the agriculture sector. She previously worked as a Fish Marketing Information Researcher for internationally funded projects, An Indigenous Natural Product Coordinator with the Millennium Challenge Account Namibia, under the Agriculture Project, as well as a team leader for research registration and research permits at the National Commission for Research, Science and Technology (NCRST). Her professional experience includes project management, trade promotion, market research, value-added analysis, policy development and stakeholder management.
Ms Emilie Abraham was appointed as the Manager: Horticulture Market Development in April 2020.
She holds a Master’s degree: Agribusiness Management (MABM), an honours degree in Agriculture specializing in Agribusiness, a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture Specializing in sustainable crop production, and a National Diploma in Agriculture. Furthermore, she is a provisional PhD candidate in Natural Resources Sciences with the University of Science and Technology (NUST).
She is the co-author of numerous agricultural training materials, produced by various developmental projects including GIZ and compiled more than fifty (50) agribusiness related articles published in the domestic newspapers and Agri forum. She has consulted, coached, and capacitated both women and men in agriculture, as well as agricultural teachers and subject advisors for over ten (10) years.
Ms Abraham also served in various positions in the agricultural sector, such as agriculture teacher, Agricultural Technician (AT), Agricultural Farm Inspector (AFI), and Technical Advisor (TA). She is passionate about enhancing food security in the country through knowledge multiplication, and market development.
Antoinette Pritzen joined the NAB in May 1994 as secretary of the Board and Grain Administrator. In 2003 Antoinette became the Administrative Manager and secretary of the Board, also overseeing the white maize and wheat division.
Still servicing the Board administration, Antoinette became the Manager for White maize and Wheat in 2014. Antoinette holds a Bachelor in Arts degree from the University of Johannesburg and an Honours degree in Political Science from the University of Pretoria.
