Namibia’s government has pledged ongoing policy, veterinary, and regulatory support to help the nation’s red meat sector recover, Inge Zaamwani said Friday, signaling cautious optimism after years of financial losses in the industry.
Speaking at the annual general meeting of the Meat Corporation of Namibia (Meatco), Zaamwani highlighted measurable progress in the company’s financial stability and governance. Meatco reported a profit of 106 million Namibian dollars (US$6.5 million) for the year ending Jan. 31, 2025, following five consecutive years of losses from 2020 to 2024.
“Meatco’s increasing financial stability is not merely a corporate turnaround; it is a matter of national interest,” Zaamwani said, describing the company as a symbol of Namibia’s credibility as a global exporter of premium beef.
Despite these positive signs, the minister cautioned that the recovery process remains ongoing. She emphasized that “true sustainability will require continued growth, stronger producer alignment, deeper market diversification, sharper cost discipline, and greater cohesion across the value chain.”
Zaamwani also highlighted the persistent threat of foot-and-mouth disease, framing it as a national responsibility rather than solely a government challenge. The ministry has intensified border surveillance and maintained vaccination schedules in high-risk areas to safeguard livestock health.
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Recognizing the pressures faced by both commercial and communal farmers, including climate shocks, rising input costs, and market volatility, the minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding market access and strengthening animal health systems.
Namibia’s red meat sector is a key contributor to the national economy and a major source of foreign exchange, with Meatco serving as a strategic export partner. Analysts say the recent profit marks a critical step toward long-term industry resilience and international market competitiveness.
By combining financial stability, enhanced disease control, and broader market diversification, Namibia aims to secure a sustainable path for its beef industry, ensuring the livelihoods of farmers and the country’s reputation in global meat markets.
Namibia’s red meat industry is a vital part of the country’s economy, contributing significantly to employment, rural livelihoods, and foreign exchange earnings. The sector is dominated by the Meat Corporation of Namibia (Meatco), which handles a large share of the nation’s beef exports to international markets, including the European Union, the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and the Middle East.
The industry has faced significant challenges over the past decade, including repeated financial losses at Meatco, rising input costs, climate shocks, and disease outbreaks such as foot-and-mouth disease, which threaten livestock health and export credibility. Between 2020 and 2024, Meatco recorded five consecutive years of losses, raising concerns over the sustainability of Namibia’s beef exports and the stability of rural livelihoods dependent on cattle farming.
Government support has traditionally focused on veterinary services, export regulations, and market access facilitation, with ministries overseeing animal health and disease control measures, particularly at borders and in high-risk zones. Recent efforts have emphasized strengthening governance at Meatco, improving financial management, and diversifying export markets to reduce vulnerability to global demand fluctuations.
In 2025, Meatco reported a turnaround with a profit of 106 million Namibian dollars, marking a significant step toward industry recovery. Despite this progress, authorities stress that sustainable growth requires continued investment in producer alignment, cost management, disease control, and expanded market access to maintain Namibia’s status as a reliable supplier of premium beef globally.
