Securing Namibia’s place in a competitive meat industry
Policy, regulatory support essential
Namibia has well-drafted policies in place, but implementation remains a challenge.
Namibia must adopt several key strategies to remain competitive and ensure a sustainable future in the rapidly evolving and often volatile international meat market.This is according to Desmond Cloete, Chief of Marketing at the Livestock and Livestock Products Board (LLPB), who emphasised that strong policy and regulatory support is essential for the industry to thrive.
Cloete acknowledged that Namibia has well-drafted policies in place, but implementation remains a challenge. “Government policies that promote innovation, sustainability and market access will be crucial to supporting Namibia’s long-term competitiveness in the meat sector,” he said.
This includes streamlining regulations, offering incentives for sustainable practices, and collaborating with international trade bodies to secure favourable global market access.
Embracing sustainable agriculture
One of the key strategies Cloete highlighted is investment in sustainable farming practices, particularly those that promote efficient water use, soil conservation and regenerative agriculture. “Climate-smart techniques such as rotational grazing and drought-resistant crops can help mitigate the risks posed by climate change.”
He added that incorporating agroforestry and holistic land management practices would not only reduce environmental degradation but also strengthen farmers’ resilience to climate shocks.
Cloete further stressed the importance of investing in technology and innovation to remain globally competitive. “As a net exporter, Namibia must invest in modern technologies that improve productivity, ensure traceability, and guarantee quality assurance and branding. This will ease market access.”
Digital technologies, he noted, enhance supply chain transparency, enabling consumers, particularly in digital-driven markets, to trace meat from farm to fork.
He also cited innovations in animal breeding, genetic improvements, and disease control as crucial for the sector’s long-term sustainability.
Boosting local fodder, abattoir efficiency
According to Cloete, investment in local livestock fodder production will increase throughput at abattoirs with higher-grade livestock, improving competitiveness and enabling the industry to consistently meet international supply agreements.
“This will also help address the ongoing issue of live exports to regional markets,” he said.
Cloete underscored the need for capacity building and skills development, especially in the Northern Communal Areas (NCA), to help shift perceptions of livestock ownership.
“Producers must start seeing their cattle as marketable commodities, not just as traditional assets. Skills development in supply chain logistics, market access, and price negotiation will play a vital role in this transition.”
He pointed to the government's efforts to establish a Foot-and-Mouth Disease and Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP)-free zone in the NCA as a significant step forward in moving the Veterinary Cordon Fence (VCF) further north.
“Creating this zone will open the door for many NCA producers to access more lucrative markets,” Cloete explained.
Expanding market access
Cloete also called for the maintenance and diversification of existing markets. “Namibia already has trade agreements with several profitable international markets. Safeguarding access to these markets is vital, but expanding into new ones, both locally and abroad, should remain high on the agenda.”
He described the implementation of a code of good practice for bulk consumers, including ministries and government agencies in the NCA, as “low-hanging fruit” that could have an immediate impact.
In addition, Cloete said that markets in Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) countries, which may be more accessible for NCA beef, should be prioritised to improve producer returns.
He concluded by saying that the enabling environment created by the government must now serve as a springboard for innovation and technological advancement in the meat sector.