Staff Reporter
NAMIBIA’s Prime Minister, Dr Elijah Ngurare, expressed strong support for the Meat Corporation of Namibia’s (Meatco) recovery and growth strategy, reaffirming Government’s commitment to strengthening Namibia’s livestock industry, expanding value addition and supporting inclusive economic growth.
During a visit to Meatco’s Windhoek Abattoir, accompanied by the Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, Ruthy Masake, the Prime Minister received a comprehensive briefing on the Corporation’s operational performance, financial recovery, livestock procurement strategy and initiatives aimed at increasing processing capacity, strengthening producer participation and enhancing Namibia’s competitiveness in international beef markets.
The visit included a tour of Meatco’s production facilities, where the Prime Minister and his delegation engaged with management and employees and observed first-hand the Corporation’s processing operations and ongoing recovery initiatives.
During the briefing, the Prime Minister noted encouraging progress in Meatco’s recovery, including the successful completion of Namibia’s 2026 Norwegian beef export quota by June 2026, the Corporation’s return to profitability, improving financial performance and strong livestock procurement during the current financial year.
By mid-July 2026, Meatco had procured approximately 29,000 cattle towards its target of 50,000 cattle by February 2027, placing the Corporation well ahead of the corresponding period in the previous financial year.
The Prime Minister was also briefed on Meatco’s renewed Northern Communal Area (NCA) Push Strategy, a comprehensive livestock procurement roadmap aimed at expanding producer participation, increasing throughput at the Rundu Abattoir and strengthening market access for cattle from northern Namibia. The strategy combines supervised quarantine-on-farm, communal livestock procurement and corridor farm sourcing to create sustainable pathways for producers to access domestic, regional and international markets.
Management emphasised that expanding quarantine infrastructure within the NCA remains critical to unlocking the strategy’s full potential.
The delegation also received an update on Meatco’s contribution to Government’s 2023/24 Drought Relief Programme, during which the Corporation slaughtered and processed drought relief meat products at its Rundu and Katima Mulilo abattoirs in support of national food security.
The Prime Minister commended the Board, management and employees for the progress made in stabilising the Corporation and reaffirmed Government’s support for efforts aimed at strengthening Meatco as a strategic national institution that supports producers, creates employment, earns foreign exchange and contributes to national development.
“There are low-hanging fruits in every organisation. Where resources are available, let us act decisively and maximise the opportunities before us.”
He further encouraged closer collaboration with the MAFWLR and other stakeholders while maintaining a balanced focus on both export and domestic market development.
“Work closely with your stakeholders and do not focus solely on external markets. You have Government’s support and where assistance is required, we stand ready to engage. Let us talk less and do more.”
Commenting on the visit, Meatco Interim Chief Executive Officer, Ambassador Albertus Aochamub, welcomed the Prime Minister’s engagement and described it as a strong affirmation of Government’s confidence in the Corporation’s recovery.
“Meatco’s recovery is about more than financial performance. It is about restoring confidence across the livestock value chain, creating sustainable opportunities for producers, expanding value-added exports and strengthening agriculture’s contribution to Namibia’s economy. We are encouraged by Government’s continued support as we build a stronger, more competitive Meatco for the benefit of all Namibians,” Aochamub said.
The visit concluded with a tasting of premium Namibian Wagyu beef produced at the Windhoek Abattoir, showcasing the quality of Namibia’s beef and Meatco’s commitment to serving premium international markets.
