Government has terminated its Remote Sensing Agricultural Services Agreement with 6th Grain Corporation for the implementation of an artificial intelligence (AI) and satellite imagery-driven crop monitoring system.

In a statement, the ministry said the decision followed a comprehensive review of the agreement and the circumstances surrounding its conclusion. The review found that the agreement did not meet the required legal and procedural requirements applicable to contracts entered into on behalf of the government, the ministry said.

“Consequently, government has invoked the applicable termination provisions of the agreement,” the ministry said, adding that a formal written notice of termination had been issued to 6th Grain Corporation.

The ministry said the matter had received attention at the highest level of government and that the termination was intended to safeguard the interests of the State.

It said the decision would also ensure that all contracts entered into on behalf of government comply with applicable laws, policies, regulations and established procedures.

“The government remains committed to strengthening transparency, accountability and compliance in the management of public resources and in all contractual engagements entered into on behalf of the Namibian State,” the ministry said.