Namibia seeks to expand into China’s meat market

NAMIBIA –  Nambian livestock producers seek to benefit from increased revenue and market access as the government nears a groundbreaking meat export agreement with China.

According to the Namibian minister of agriculture, water and land reform, Callle Schlettwein, the government is currently in the final stages of negotiations to secure the deal.

He added that the deal is focused on sheep and goat meat products which is expected to open up a new avenue for economic growth in the country.

“When finalised, this will open up a significant market for Namibian sheep and goat meat products, thus creating an opportunity for increased domestic productive capacity by producers,” Schlettwein said.

“This is an important milestone achieved on our road towards a better integrated agricultural sector, which envelops the value chain development rather than the fragmented approach followed in the past.”

The minister also announced that the government has also approved the amended Meat Industry Act, which creates a consolidated regulatory framework through which meat industries can be better and more effectively supported.

He said Namibia’s unique position as the sole African country with access to top-paying global markets is a result of the country’s comparable veterinary capabilities and abattoir standards.

Schlettwein additionally urged that it is important to maintain the ability to supply both the domestic market and export markets in Africa through the Africa Continental Free Trade Area agreement, or existing potential market.

“Namibia’s unique position as the sole African country with access to top-paying global markets is a result of the country’s comparable veterinary capabilities and abattoir standards,” he added.

“We must ensure solid phytosanitary capabilities to safeguard our export potential for agricultural commodities.”

In addition, the minister noted that the reopening of Farmers Meat has been a prime example of how private investment has served as a catalyst for revitalising economic activity in general and the small stock industry in particular.

Farmers Meat, the biggest sheep abattoir operation and the only approved exporter of mutton in Namibia resumed commercial operations in October 2022 after a two-year closure caused by the devastating drought that plagued the country.

Ohlthaver and List (O&L)’s chief executive, Wessie van der Westhuizen, said Farmers Meat has successfully showcased and popularised the quality of Namibian lamb on a global scale.

“Obtaining export status opens the doors to lucrative international markets, the Southern African Development Community region and the wider African market, presenting tremendous growth opportunities for our business and Namibia as a whole,” he said.

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