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 processing and export company, currently winding down Katima Mulilo operations while maintaining Norwegian beef exports valued at N$365 million in 2026.
Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.
Informanté
Meatco was provided by government with vehicles, trucks, and equipment for farmer access
“For that purpose, government, through the ministry, has donated vehicles, specifically trucks, and related equipment to enable MEATCO to go to the farmers so that the farmers don't have to incur the transportation cost.”
Equalisation Fund for NCA farmers to be operationalised this yearWindhoek Observer
Meatco maintained fixed contract prices of N$54.00/kg for A2 to A4 cattle in Northern Communal Area operations
“Meatco's Northern Communal Area operations in Rundu and Katima Mulilo maintained fixed contract prices of N$54.00/kg for A2 to A4 cattle under its 30-day payment schedule, while lower grades attracted prices ranging between N$33.00/kg and N$49.50/kg, depending on classification.”
Livestock firm as premium cattle fetch up to N$79.50/kgWindhoek Observer
Meatco decided to wind down operations at the Katima Mulilo abattoir in the Zambezi region
“The decision by Meatco to wind down operations at the Katima Mulilo abattoir in the Zambezi region has unsurprisingly triggered concern, frustration and criticism.”
Hard choices, hard realities: Why Meatco’s Katima exit must be viewed in contextWindhoek Observer
Meatco is scaling down operations following expiry of its operational agreement with the Zambezi Meat Corporation
“Now, with Meatco confirming that operations are being scaled down following the expiry of its operational agreement with the Zambezi Meat Corporation (Zamco), emotions are understandably running high.”
Hard choices, hard realities: Why Meatco’s Katima exit must be viewed in contextNew Era
Meatco will end its operational agreement and wind down operations at the Katima Mulilo abattoir
“The Meatco operational agreement with the Zambezi Meat Corporation (Zamco) has come to an end, and will now see Meatco winding down its operations at the Katima Mulilo abattoir.”
Meatco to end operations at Katima abattoirInformanté
Meatco announced structured exit from Katima Mulilo Abattoir operations
“MEATCO has announced to stakeholders in the Zambezi Region that the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between Meatco Northern Communal Area and the Zambezi Meat Corporation (ZAMCO), which was in effect from 10 April 2021 to 15 April 2026, has reached its contractual expiry.”
Meatco announces structured exit from Katima Mulilo Abattoir operationsThe Namibian
Meatco has not implemented salary increments despite reporting profits
“The employees further question why the company has not implemented increments despite reporting profits.”
Meatco workers threaten strike over delayed salary increasesThe Namibian
Meatco announced it had entered global premium beef market with successful Wagyu slaughter and processing
“Meatco this week announced it had entered the global premium beef market with the successful slaughter and processing of Wagyu cattle at its facilities.”
Savanna to send first beef to EuropeThe Namibian
Meatco has entered the global premium beef market with successful Wagyu cattle slaughter and processing
“The Meat Corporation of Namibia has entered the global premium beef market with the successful slaughter and processing of Wagyu cattle at its facilities.”
Meatco targets niche exports with Wagyu cattleNew Era
Meatco achieved significant milestone in slaughtering and processing Wagyu cattle at its facilities
“Meatco has achieved a significant milestone in advancing Namibia's position in the global premium beef market by successfully slaughtering and processing Wagyu cattle at its facilities.”
Meatco elevates game with Wagyu processing …Arabic bank ready to finance turnaround strategyThe 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 →
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 →
Meatco's operational agreement with Zambezi Meat Corporation expires on 15 April 2026, prompting the company to wind down operations at the Katima Mulilo abattoir. The transition period runs from 16 April to 30 June 2026, during which Meatco will scale down operations in a controlled manner while honouring obligations to local producers and suppliers.
7 May 2026 · New Era →
Meatco has announced a structured exit from Katima Mulilo Abattoir operations following the contractual expiry of its Memorandum of Agreement with Zambezi Meat Corporation on 15 April 2026. The company will implement a transitional plan from mid-April to 30 June 2026, during which it will progressively scale down operations including inventory verification and gradual reduction of stock levels.
6 May 2026 · Informanté →
Meatco employees presented a petition demanding salary increases, citing delayed wage proposals and company profitability, and threatening indefinite industrial action if demands are ignored. The petition also raises concerns about board leadership, executive spending, and alleged conflicts of interest.
24 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Savanna Beef Processors, recently granted an export certificate, will send its first beef consignment to the United Kingdom, EU, and EFTA countries through Walvis Bay at the end of April, exporting matured deboned chilled/frozen beef cuts. The producer-owned facility aims to add value to Namibian livestock production and retain weaners domestically rather than see them exported live to South African feedlots.
17 April 2026 · The Namibian →
The Meat Corporation of Namibia has begun processing Wagyu cattle for export to premium global markets, including high-end restaurants in Europe. The move aims to position Namibian beef producers in high-value segments through advanced quality assurance, traceability systems, and compliance with international standards.
16 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Meatco has begun slaughtering and processing Wagyu cattle at its facilities, strengthening Namibia's position in premium global beef markets. The company is also in talks with the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa to finance turnaround projects including revival of small stock and cannery operations.
14 April 2026 · New Era →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah answered questions from opposition MPs on the Welwitschia Sovereign Wealth Fund, land delivery, Germany's genocide reparations deal, the veterinary cordon fence, and various economic and governance matters during parliament on Wednesday.
12 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Meatco has hosted first-year students from NUST's Bachelor of Procurement and Supply Chain Management programme for a research visit to gain practical experience in livestock and agro-processing operations. The initiative, which included interaction with Meatco's Marketing, Logistics, and Value Addition teams, is part of efforts to develop skilled professionals for Namibia's agricultural sector.
19 March 2026 · Informanté →
Meatco's export abattoir has retained an A+ equivalent grade under the Brand Reputation through Compliance Global Standards (BRCGS) certification system, one of the world's most widely recognised food safety programmes. The accreditation is essential for Meatco to maintain access to premium international markets and strengthens Namibia's reputation as a trusted supplier of premium beef.
10 March 2026 · New Era →
Namibia's Meteorological Services reported the driest January since 1981, with uneven rainfall posing risks to livestock and crop production. The article urges farmers to take early action—such as selling vulnerable animals and securing irrigation—and calls on policymakers to support export abattoirs, subsidize irrigation systems, and strengthen border security against foot-and-mouth disease.
3 March 2026 · New Era →
The Meat Corporation of Namibia earned 84% of its beef revenue from international markets in 2024/25, with 80% of that coming from the European Union, 18% from Norway, and 2% from China. Despite a slight decline in realisation prices, the company managed to secure decent prices across international and regional markets, reporting N$1.514 billion in direct sales from its Windhoek factory.
26 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia is expanding beef and lamb exports to the UAE and Qatar, with three major export abattoirs operating halaal-certified facilities that comply with Islamic dietary laws. Halaal compliance involves strict slaughter practices, separate storage from non-halaal items, and daily monitoring to ensure meat is permissible under Islamic law.
10 February 2026 · The Namibian →
An opinion piece argues that Namibia's proposed Investment Promotion and Facilitation Bill should treat the red meat industry as strategic, enabling value addition, rural development, and coordination with domestic enterprises like Meatco through performance agreements and joint venture requirements.
7 February 2026 · New Era →
Meatco operates fully Halaal-certified abattoirs and undergoes rigorous annual audits by the Muslim Judicial Council Halaal Trust and South African National Halaal Authority to ensure compliance with Islamic dietary laws and international best practices in processing and handling.
3 February 2026 · New Era →