Namibia’s largest meat processing and marketing entity, the Meat Corporation of Namibia (Meatco), has once again reaffirmed its commitment to international food safety and quality standards after its export abattoir retained a top audit grading under the Brand Reputation through Compliance Global Standards (BRCGS) certification system. 

The BRCGS framework, formerly known as the British Retail Consortium Global Standards, is one of the world’s most widely recognised food safety certification programmes. 

It sets rigorous benchmarks for food safety, product quality, operational control, and supply chain integrity. Certification is awarded through independent audits conducted by accredited international certification bodies. 

Meatco’s certification was issued by Kiwa Agri Food, a globally recognised certification body that verifies compliance with the stringent requirements of the BRCGS standard. 

Because BRCGS standards are benchmarked by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), they align with globally accepted best practices for food safety management. For exporters such as Meatco, maintaining this certification is essential for retaining access to premium international markets. Many international retailers, processors, and food brands require BRCGS certification as a prerequisite for supplier approval. Maintaining the accreditation, therefore, strengthens Meatco’s credibility among international customers and regulators while ensuring that Namibian beef continues to meet world-class standards. 

Speaking on the importance of the certification, Meatco’s interim CEO, Albertus Aochamub, said international accreditation is critical not only for the company but for the broader Namibian red meat industry. 

“Maintaining globally recognised certifications such as BRCGS is fundamental to protecting Namibia’s reputation as a trusted supplier of premium beef. It provides international buyers with independent assurance that our production systems meet the highest standards of food safety, traceability and operational discipline,” said Aochamub. 

He added that these standards ultimately benefit Namibian livestock producers, whose products depend on strong market confidence in international markets. 

“At Meatco, we place producers at the heart of our business. When we maintain world-class compliance standards, we protect and expand access to export markets for the livestock produced by Namibian farmers. International accreditation is therefore not simply a compliance exercise; it is a strategic asset that sustains the long-term competitiveness of Namibia’s red meat industry,” he added. 

The BRCGS system also emphasises the integration of food safety culture across organisations. This requires companies to demonstrate leadership commitment, staff competence, and robust operational systems that proactively manage risks such as contamination, traceability failures, or product fraud. According to Meatco Manager for Compliance and Laboratory Kalihulu Shapwa, the company’s export abattoir performed strongly during the most recent audit. “During the announced BRCGS audit conducted in November and December 2025, the Export Abattoir retained an A+ equivalent Grade,” Shapwa said. 

“This reflects exceptional operational discipline and world-class compliance with global food safety and quality standards.” 

Shapwa explained that strong audit outcomes indicate mature and consistently applied quality management systems, which significantly enhance Meatco’s credibility in global markets. 

“The result demonstrates strong Senior Management Commitment, capable Staff, and continuous improvements across our operations,” she said. 

BRCGS uses a grading system ranging from AA to D, with an additional uncertified category for facilities that do not meet the required standards. Grades are determined by the number and severity of non-conformities identified during the audit. 

For Meatco, retaining a high grade reinforces its reputation as a reliable and low-risk supplier in highly regulated export markets. 

The certification also strengthens the company’s alignment with international Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) expectations, which increasingly influence global food trade. 

Industry observers note that maintaining such accreditation is essential for Namibia’s export-driven Red Meat Sector, where compliance with international standards is central to sustaining market access and building consumer trust abroad. 

Broader sector 

Just a few weeks ago, Meatco doubled down on its commitment to serve all sectors of the red meat value chain, demonstrating strong operational efficiency to uphold the highest standards of Halaal certification and integrity across all its operations. 

Meatco operates fully Halaal-certified abattoirs that adhere to stringent regulatory and religious requirements, anchored in strict adherence to Islamic dietary laws, under which all meat and food products processed at their facilities are permissible [Halaal] under Islamic law. 

When handling Halaal slaughtering processes, it is important that animals are slaughtered by a Muslim, using a sharp knife, ensuring the animal is healthy and completely bled out. The slaughterer invokes the name of Allah before performing the cut – as required under Islamic law. 

Halaal-certified products must be stored and transported separately from non-Halaal items to prevent cross-contamination. All Halaal products must be free from haram (forbidden) substances, such as pork, alcohol and any ingredients deemed impermissible under Islamic law. 

Meatco strictly processes Halaal products, ensuring full compliance at every stage of the process. It ensures animals are handled humanely throughout the process. 

Global appeal 

Namibian beef is celebrated worldwide for its exceptional quality, known for being free-range, grass-fed, and sustainably raised across the country’s expansive natural farmlands. The country holds a unique position as the only African nation authorised to export beef to both the United States and the larger European market, underscoring its high production standards and strong international reputation. 

After two and a half years of preparation, premium Namibian beef was recently introduced more widely in Germany through a new agreement with Eugen Block Holding GmbH, one of Germany’s leading owner-managed hospitality companies. 

Namibian rump steak features on monthly specials at Block House steak restaurants, a well-known chain with 42 locations across Germany. This group currently operates a large chain of Block House steakhouses nationwide, alongside several Jim Block burger outlets. 

This partnership offers German and European diners an authentic farm-to-table experience, showcasing Namibia’s rich agricultural tradition and dedication to quality. 

The introduction of Namibian beef at Block House restaurants aligns with the country’s goal of promoting its products globally, positioning Namibia as a producer of trusted, safe, premium-quality food. 

By securing partnerships with major hospitality brands such as Block House, the country continues to showcase its premium export products while supporting sustainable growth for local farmers, processors, and exporters. -ohembapu@nepc.com.na