Also known as: The Meat Corporation of Namibia · The Meat Corporation of Namibia (Meatco) · Meat Corporation of Namibia (Meatco) · Meatco NCA · State-owned meat processor · Meatco Namibia · acting Meatco CEO
Meatco — State-owned meat processor, facing financial strain from foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in //Kharas region.
News reports
Order a long-term news report on Meatco
Every mention in the Namibian press over the period you choose, compiled as a PDF or Word document.
Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.
Windhoek Observer
Meatco will comply with measures issued by relevant authorities
“!Aochamub said Meatco would comply with the measures issued by the relevant authorities.”
‘Don’t bring your meat to the north’ – Amupanda …as NAU calls for state of emergency over FMD outbreakWindhoek Observer
Meatco decided not to speculate prematurely about the full impact of the outbreak
“Meatco's decision not to speculate prematurely about the full impact of the outbreak is understandable.”
Do Not Gamble With Namibia’s Beef IndustryNew Era
Meatco recorded revenue of over N$793.20 million
“the State-owned entity's revenue reached over N$793.20 million.”
The rise and rise of Meatco….Revenue jumps to N$793m, cattle slaughter surgeNew Era
Meatco experienced slaughter throughput increase of approximately 55% year-on-year
“Meatco's slaughter throughput also experienced a remarkable increase of approximately 55% year-on-year, mainly driven by enhanced cattle procurement, improved export market realisations, increased operational efficiencies, and ongoing cost management initiatives.”
The rise and rise of Meatco….Revenue jumps to N$793m, cattle slaughter surgeInformanté
Tjimune held previous executive positions at Meatco
“His previous executive positions include roles at the Namibia National Farmers Union and Meatco, where he worked in livestock procurement, producer services, stakeholder management and corporate affairs.”
Livestock and Livestock Products Board of Namibia appoints Vehaka Tjimune as new CEOInformanté
Meatco represents an important component of Namibia's agricultural and agro-processing value chain
“For Namibia, Meatco represents an important component of our agricultural and agro-processing value chain.”
Ashipala-Musavyi calls for stronger Namibia-Congo trade and investmentInformanté
Ministry is working with Meatco on planned renovation of Oshakati Abattoir
“the ministry is also working with Meatco on the planned renovation of the Oshakati Abattoir.”
Outapi Abattoir nearing completion, minister saysInformanté
Meatco announced additional Norwegian beef quota generating approximately N$100 million in additional revenue
“The announcement was made by Meatco, which explained that the additional allocation follows Namibia's successful utilisation of the 2026 Norwegian beef export quota allocated to the corporation by the end of June.”
Namibia secures additional Norwegian beef quotaInformanté
Meatco Interim Chief Executive Officer Ambassador Albertus Aochamub said fully utilising Norwegian quota by June demonstrates confidence in premium Namibian beef and reflects stronger commercial execution
“"Fully utilising our Norwegian quota by June is a significant milestone for Namibia's beef industry and demonstrates the continued confidence that international customers place in premium Namibian beef. It also reflects Meatco's stronger commercial execution and our focus on maximising value from premium export markets. We welcome the agreement between the Governments of Namibia and Botswana, which enables Namibia to further benefit from this important market, and we are committed to fully utilising the additional allocation before 31 December 2026," Meatco Interim Chief Executive Officer Ambassador Albertus Aochamub said.”
Namibia secures additional Norwegian beef quotaInformanté
Meatco recorded a profit after tax of N$40.5 million despite processing 53% fewer cattle
“Despite processing 53% fewer cattle than the previous financial year, Meatco recorded a profit after tax of N$40.5 million, generated positive operating cash flows of N$73.5 million and increased its cash reserves from N$86.2 million to N$128.3 million.”
Meatco’s turnaround strategy showing results despite cattle supply crisisThe Meat Corporation of Namibia has proposed paying employees two-thirds of their salaries from November 2026 to January 2027 due to foot-and-mouth disease strains on the state-owned processor's finances. The proposal is part of an emergency cost containment package aimed at reducing expenses while protecting jobs and retaining critical skills.
14 October 2026 · The Namibian →
The Meat Corporation of Namibia has proposed paying employees two-thirds of their salaries from November 2026 to January 2027 due to foot-and-mouth disease strains on the state-owned processor's finances. The proposal is part of an emergency cost containment package aimed at reducing expenses while protecting jobs and retaining critical skills.
14 October 2026 · The Namibian →
Meatco has sent roughly 400 production workers on three weeks' special leave with full pay from 1 to 23 October in response to the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in the ||Kharas region, with a review of the situation scheduled for 23 October.
12 October 2026 · The Namibian →
Agriculture minister Inge Zaamwani says Namibia is negotiating with trading partners over meat shipments affected by foot-and-mouth disease in //Kharas Region, with authorities checking whether consignments can move based on their origin. A shipment reported to be worth about N$400 million was said to be en route to Europe, though the minister did not confirm the value or whether it had been returned.
1 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Agriculture Minister Inge Zaamwani told the National Assembly that the government is developing a plan to support farmers affected by Foot-and-Mouth Disease restrictions, while consulting with international trading partners over meat shipments and new zoning measures. Opposition PDM leader McHenry Venaani questioned reports of a N$400 million meat shipment being returned from Europe and called for fuller National Assembly briefing on FMD developments.
29 September 2026 · Informanté →
Agriculture Minister Inge Zaamwani told Parliament that the government is developing a plan to support farmers affected by Foot-and-Mouth Disease restrictions while consulting with international trading partners over meat shipments and zoning measures. PDM leader McHenry Venaani questioned reports of a meat shipment worth about N$400 million being returned from Europe and called for Parliament to be briefed on the FMD outbreak.
29 September 2026 · Informanté →
Namibia risks losing its European market for beef due to a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak that threatens the country's disease-free status and could suspend exports to international markets. About 60% of beef export earnings, roughly N$3.3 billion annually, come from European, British and Norwegian markets, which apply strict sanitary rules and are expected to close first.
28 September 2026 · The Namibian →
Meatco has welcomed the partial easing of restrictions following Foot-and-Mouth Disease detection in Karasburg, saying surveillance and traceability indicate the disease remains localised in //Kharas region. The revised measures allow partial lifting of restrictions north and south of the Veterinary Cordon Fence, permitting slaughter and trade of specified processed animal products countrywide.
27 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Meatco's Interim CEO has urged continued discipline and reliance on verified information as surveillance continues following a Foot-and-Mouth Disease outbreak in the Karasburg State Veterinary District. The latest surveillance results show confirmed cases remain geographically confined to Karasburg, with the incubation period still ongoing and restrictions expected to be eased gradually pending further results.
27 September 2026 · Informanté →
Namibia detected Foot and Mouth Disease cases south of the veterinary cordon fence in the //Kharas region after 10 of 11 cattle samples tested positive. The government imposed an immediate nationwide suspension on movement, marketing, import and export of cloven-hoofed animals and their by-products.
25 September 2026 · New Era →
A nationwide suspension of livestock movement, trade and slaughtering following Foot-and-Mouth Disease detection in the //Kharas Region has left kapana vendors and families preparing customary events uncertain about cattle slaughter for lobola and funerals. Lawyers representing Affirmative Repositioning's Job Amupanda have demanded clarification from the acting agriculture minister on the scope and legal basis of the restrictions.
25 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
A Foot-and-Mouth Disease outbreak confirmed in the //Kharas Region on 23 September is expected to cost the economy about N$1.8 billion over 2026 and 2027 and reduce 2026 economic growth by 0.45 percentage points, with nationwide livestock movement restrictions disrupting farming, meat processing, and exports valued at approximately N$5.5 billion annually.
24 September 2026 · Informanté →
Foot-and-Mouth Disease has been confirmed in Namibia's FMD-free zone after 10 of 11 cattle samples from Karasburg tested positive, prompting the government to suspend all cloven-hoofed animal movement and trade. The Namibia Agricultural Union is preparing to call for a state of emergency, while activist Job Amupanda warns against meat movement from the FMD-affected south to the north and questions whether the outbreak should reinforce the veterinary cordon fence.
24 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Ten of eleven cattle samples from the Karasburg State Veterinary District have tested positive for Foot-and-Mouth Disease. The government has suspended movement of cloven-hoofed animals and their products across the country, with potential financial consequences for farmers, transporters, abattoirs, and rural households.
24 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Namibia's state-owned meat processor Meatco recorded revenue of N$793.20 million year-to-date, a 56% increase from the prior year, with gross profit jumping to N$106 million. Cattle slaughter throughput rose 55% year-on-year to over 34,000 head, driven by improved livestock procurement, export market realisations, and operational efficiencies.
11 September 2026 · New Era →
The Livestock and Livestock Products Board of Namibia has appointed Vehaka M. Tjimune as Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 September 2026. Tjimune brings more than 37 years of leadership experience in the agri-food sector across government, producer organisations, the private sector and international development institutions.
5 September 2026 · Informanté →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah directed the education ministry to use alternative procurement for a N$540-million school hostel food tender, with the Namibia Training Authority as lead service provider and other public entities, sparking court action from companies questioning the non-public tendering process.
2 September 2026 · The Namibian →
The Minister of International Relations called on the Republic of the Congo to increase investment and strengthen economic cooperation, highlighting agricultural and agro-processing value chains, particularly Namibian beef, as key areas for expansion under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
26 August 2026 · Informanté →
The Outapi Abattoir is about 90% complete but will not become operational until the Ongwediva meat processing facility is fully operational and at full capacity, Agriculture Minister Inge Zaamwani said during a visit to Omusati Region. The abattoir forms part of an integrated meat value chain that includes quarantine facilities and abattoirs intended to supply the Ongwediva facility.
21 August 2026 · Informanté →
The Musese Green Scheme in Kavango West has launched animal feed production using crop residue, producing green chops, silage, and hay from grass, oats, maize, and mahangu stalks. Currently only chicken feed is sold publicly, while other feeds are used to fatten cattle at the scheme.
12 August 2026 · The Namibian →
Shiwana Ndeunyema has been nominated for the 2026 Top 100 Influential Africans in Infrastructure by Powered by Africa, recognised for his leadership in energy, infrastructure governance and national policy. The nomination highlights his 15 years of professional experience and 10-month tenure as Interim Managing Director of NAMCOR amid Namibia's major offshore oil discoveries.
9 August 2026 · Namibian Sun →
Namibia has secured an additional Norwegian beef quota of 344,766 kilograms through a government-to-government arrangement with Botswana, expected to generate approximately N$100 million in additional revenue. Combined with the initial 2026 allocation, Meatco's projected Norwegian exports for 2026 are valued at approximately N$365 million.
28 July 2026 · Informanté →
Meatco recorded a profit after tax of N$40.5 million and improved its balance sheet despite processing 53% fewer cattle than the previous financial year, according to its audited Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 31 January 2026, as Namibia faces a historic decline in cattle supply following years of drought.
27 July 2026 · Informanté →
Cabinet has directed the agriculture ministry to ensure that former Meatco chief executive Mwilima Mushokabanji is formally credited for the state-owned company's 55% revenue increase.
20 July 2026 · Namibian Sun →
During President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's state visit to China, Meatco and the Namibian government are negotiating the resumption of beef exports to the Chinese market and exploring Chinese investment in Namibia's meat value chain.
15 July 2026 · New Era →
MTC recorded profits of N$1.45 billion in the 2025 financial year, reinforcing its status as Namibia's most profitable public enterprise in the 2026 IJG Public Enterprise Governance Ranking. Other state-owned enterprises including NamPort, NamPower, and NamibRe showed mixed financial performance, with NamPort emerging as a strong turnaround performer with profits rising to N$864.5 million.
14 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC) scored 20 out of 20 in IJG Securities' 2026 Public Enterprise Governance Ranking, which assessed public enterprises over five years on annual report publication, profitability, fiscal transfer reliance, and CEO stability. NamPort, Agribank, and NamibRe placed second with 19 points each, while NamPower and NamWater tied for fifth with 18 points.
14 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Minister of Agriculture announced that the Equalisation Fund, which ensures farmers in the Northern Communal Areas receive the same cattle prices as farmers elsewhere in Namibia, will be operationalised in 2024 after institutional delays prevented implementation the previous year. The ministry is also investing in feedlots and reducing transport costs for NCA farmers as part of broader efforts to remove market inequities.
27 June 2026 · Informanté →
Armand Carel Schultz, a 27-year-old South African arrested after a N$52 million cannabis plantation was discovered in Khomas Hochveld, denies being a farm manager and claims he was merely a mechanic with no knowledge of the operation. His lawyer argues in a High Court bail appeal that the State's case relies heavily on untested allegations from 14 farm workers who did not testify, rather than direct or forensic evidence.
18 June 2026 · Informanté →
Local livestock producer prices remained broadly firm during the week ending 15 June, with premium beef cattle commanding prices of up to N$79.50 per kilogram and slaughter sheep selling for more than N$41/kg on average at auction, according to the Livestock and Livestock Products Board of Namibia.
17 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Meatco is winding down operations at its Katima Mulilo abattoir following the expiry of its operational agreement with the Zambezi Meat Corporation, a decision that has triggered concern among communal farmers who relied on the facility for market access and employment.
11 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →