Korea contributes nearly 5,000 tons of rice to support Namibians recovering from drought

The Republic of Korea has donated 4,896 metric tons of rice worth USD 1.7 million to Namibia to help communities recovering from the 2024–2025 drought, channeled through the United Nations World Food Programme’s OnDemand Service, according to a press release by WFP dated March 17, 2026. The handover ceremony took place at the Office of the Prime Minister in Windhoek. The contribution will support approximately 300,000 people between April and December 2026.

The 2024–2025 drought was one of the worst in Namibia’s history, affecting 1.4 million people across all 14 regions of the country. Although Namibia has received plentiful rainfall in recent months, many communities continue to face rising food prices, loss of livelihoods, and soil degradation. Flooding in some areas has also disrupted planting activities, leaving households uncertain about their next harvest. Vulnerable households are still working to rebuild their livelihoods following the crisis.

The rice donation forms part of a broader 150,000 metric ton global contribution from Korea’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, supporting 17 countries affected by food insecurity. The Office of the Prime Minister, through its disaster risk management structures, will oversee distribution across all 14 regions via Regional Councils. Eric Perdison, WFP Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa, noted the timeliness of the aid.

“This assistance comes at a crucial time as many families’ food stocks remain depleted,” he said. He added that WFP is “deeply grateful to the Republic of Korea for standing with Namibia in its recovery efforts.”

Ambassador Kwanjin Choi of the Republic of Korea to Namibia described the donation as a reflection of a lasting bilateral relationship.

“This is a symbol of Korea’s unwavering commitment to stand with the Namibian people in times of unpredictable challenges, ranging from COVID-19 pandemic to natural disasters,” he said.

Prime Minister Dr. Elijah Ngurare also welcomed the contribution, stating:

“This donation arrives at exactly the right time to complement the government’s efforts to ensure food security for the most vulnerable households across all 14 regions.”

Both officials spoke at the Windhoek handover ceremony on March 17, 2026.

Korea’s support carries particular significance, as the country was once a recipient of food assistance and has since become a major contributor to global food security and a longstanding WFP partner. WFP will continue working with the Government of Namibia to strengthen food security, support drought recovery, and build resilience to future climate-related shocks. The organization also aims to enhance national capacity to better prepare for and respond to future crises. The rice distribution will reach vulnerable households in all 14 Namibian regions through established Regional Councils.