Savanna certification a boost for beef export
Meatco has welcomed the recent certification of Savanna Beef Operations (Pty) Ltd as an export-approved beef establishment, describing the development as a reflection of growing confidence in the country’s livestock sector.
Corporate communications officer Onda Mwiyahambira said the certification “strengthens the country’s collective export capacity” and signals a positive shift for the broader beef industry.
Meatco expressed a desire to engage constructively with all industry participants, including the new entrant, stating that “sustainable growth in the beef sector will be driven by collaboration, value addition and a shared commitment to Namibian producers”.
The corporation outlined three key priorities it hopes to advance through industry cooperation, namely advancing local value addition within Namibia, strengthening market access and export competitiveness, and supporting fair and sustainable returns for farmers.
The statement comes against the backdrop of mounting pressure on the sector from live cattle exports with limited domestic value addition. Mwiyahambira said this makes collaboration more urgent than ever.
“At a time when the sector continues to face pressure from live cattle exports with limited domestic value addition, it is increasingly important that we work together to ensure that more value is retained within Namibia for the benefit of producers, workers and the broader economy,” she said.
Meatco reaffirmed its position as “a national export anchor and industry stabiliser”, while acknowledging the need to evolve its commercial model in a more competitive environment, closing with a rallying call for unity across the sector: “Stronger together for Namibia’s farmers and the future of our beef industry.”
