EU hands over livestock trucks to boost marketing in northern Namibia
Improved access to formal markets
In a major step toward improving livestock marketing and rural livelihoods in Namibia, the European Union (EU), in partnership with the National Planning Commission (NPC), officially handed over five livestock trucks and trailers to the Ministry of Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Land Reform.Valued at N$20.68 million, the trucks were procured under the Livestock Support Programme (LSP), a flagship initiative funded through the 11th European Development Fund (EDF11). The trucks will be deployed to government-owned abattoirs in the Northern Communal Areas (NCAs), where communal farmers have long faced barriers in transporting cattle to formal markets.
Transport constraints have historically undermined the competitiveness of the livestock sector in the north, resulting in low offtake, high operational costs, and limited market access. This latest intervention is expected to significantly reduce transport costs, improve animal welfare during transit, and support the growth of more sustainable and inclusive value chains.
Implementation
The Directorate of Veterinary Services and the Directorate of Planning and Business Development will implement the intervention, working closely with regional councils, local authorities, farmers' associations, and veterinary field staff to ensure maximum impact on the ground.
The EU Ambassador to Namibia, Ana Beatriz Martins, reaffirmed the Union’s commitment to supporting Namibia in building a modern and inclusive livestock industry. “These trucks are more than just vehicles; they are tools of empowerment for communal farmers. They represent our shared commitment to rural development and economic inclusion,” the ambassador said.
The donation forms part of the EU’s broader Global Gateway strategy, which promotes sustainable investment in agriculture, education, climate action, and infrastructure across partner countries. It also aligns with Namibia’s upcoming Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6), which emphasises inclusive economic growth and rural transformation.
This joint effort between Namibia and the EU underscores a shared vision of ensuring no farmer is left behind. By improving logistics and market access, the intervention is expected to stimulate rural economies and enhance the overall resilience of the livestock sector in the NCAs.