The commendable and measurable operational improvements and restoration of producers’ confidence in the Meat Corporation of Namibia (Meatco) achieved over a short period of time have not gone unnoticed, and government, as the sole shareholder, is immensely pleased, agriculture minister Inge Zaamwani has said.

The minister spoke at Meatco’s 37th Annual General Members’ Meeting at NIPAM on Friday in Windhoek, stating that, from an aerial viewpoint, it is clear that strengthened governance oversight, improved financial efficiency, and renewed operational discipline have been key to the entity’s ongoing reforms.

The corporation’s 2024/25 financial reports hallmark an institution that is on an upward trajectory, with overall revenue increased by approximately 55% to about N$1.87 billion. 

The reports also show that Meatco recorded a profit before tax of around N$105 million, with a profit after tax of over N$43 million, while more than 83 112 animals were slaughtered across the system during the period under review.

On the farmers’ or producers’ side of the business, Friday’s meeting reported that more than N$1.13 billion, nearly 67% of Meatco’s cost of sales, was paid directly to producers from various parts of the country. 

Zaamwani further noted that these gains reflect the dedication of the Board, management, and staff, as well as the resilience of producers whose continued participation sustains the industry.

“Improved financial stability contributes to rebuilding confidence among farmers and supports rural economic resilience by ensuring a reliable market for livestock,” said the minister. 

Friday’s gathering brought producers, government representatives, directors, and stakeholders under one roof to reflect on the 2024/25 financial year and the steady progress made under the Corporation’s turnaround plan.

The meeting not only served as a platform to present financial results, but also reinforced accountability, rebuilt trust, and reaffirmed Meatco’s statutory role in stabilising Namibia’s red meat value chain.

Discipline and recovery

Meatco’s board deputy chairperson Stephanie De Klerk described the period under review as a year that tested the resilience of the corporation and the broader livestock sector. 

Drought conditions, liquidity constraints, and volatile global markets placed pressure on operations and producers alike, but still, the year marked a decisive turning point for the State-owned meat processing and marketing enterprise.

“These figures are not abstract. They represent income flowing back to farms, livelihoods sustained, and confidence gradually restored. The Board anchored its oversight on four strategic priorities, which are market development and price realisation, operational efficiency and cost control, throughput consistency across abattoirs, financial sustainability and liquidity discipline,” said De Klerk. 

She underscored that the Board’s focus was not operational management, but ensuring that strategy was executed with integrity, controls were strengthened, and that Meatco remained aligned with its mandate under the Meatco Act.

De Klerk further emphasised that Meatco’s recovery must translate into practical support for producers, both north and south of the Veterinary Cordon Fence.

The activation of facilities in Eenhana, Outapi, and the Ongwediva processing plant was highlighted as a tangible intervention to expand market access, particularly for communal producers in the Northern Communal Areas.

Excellence recognised

On the day, various top-performing producers across numerous categories were also recognised and honoured, with Fiegenfeld Farming named the Commercial Producer of the Year, and farmer Zebra Kasete honoured as the Emerging Commercial Producer of the Year.

Communal farmer Stephen Tjiuoro was awarded the Communal Producer of the Year (South of VCF) accolade, while Mbangweta Liyemo was the Communal Producer of the Year (NCA – Katima Mulilo Abattoir), and the Northern Cattle Post was recognised as the Communal Producer of the year (NCA – Rundu Abattoir). 

The awards reflect the inclusivity and diversity of Namibia’s livestock sector, as well as the central role of producers in Meatco’s recovery.

Roadmap 

When the gathering ended, the tone of the meeting was one of cautious confidence rather than celebration, as both the Meatco board and government reminded that challenges remain, including infrastructure renewal, climate variability, capital constraints, and regional disease risks.

However, the message was clear: Meatco’s recovery is being built on disciplined execution rather than dramatic promises.

“The Corporation’s focus remains on protecting liquidity, strengthening throughput, safeguarding animal health status, supporting predictable pricing, and consolidating gains for sustainable growth. Meatco has navigated a demanding year and emerged on firmer footing – not through shortcuts, but through steady governance, producer partnership, and collective resolve,” concluded De Klerk.

-ohembapu@nepc.com.na