The Meat Corporation of Namibia (Meatco) interim ceo Albertus Aochamub recently paid courtesy visits to the Governors of both the Kavango East and Kavango West regions, where he reaffirmed the company’s commitment to empower the livelihoods of locals in the two regions.
In the Kavango East region, Aochamub was received by Governor Hamunyera Hambyuka and in the Kavango West by Governor Verna Sinimbo, where deliberations focused on strengthening partnerships, reviewing collaborative initiatives, and exploring new opportunities.
Aochamub’s visit to the two regions formed part of his three-day regional engagements, which are aimed at reaffirming Meatco’s continued commitment to inclusive development and ongoing mission to generate sustainable value for farmers in the Northern Communal Area (NCA).
During both meetings, Aochamub underscored that Meatco, through the Meatco Foundation, continues to play a catalytic role in promoting climate resilience, market access, and community empowerment.
“Our work in the two Kavango regions demonstrates that sustainable growth begins with empowering farmers and creating shared value. Meatco is committed to ensuring that communities directly benefit from every stage of the livestock value chain,” said Aochamub.
Since 2020, the Meatco Foundation has invested about N$8 million in the two Kavango regions through a series of development programmes focused on capacity-building, market development, and drought resilience.
Through the Livestock Value Chain Development and Climate Change Resilience Action (LDCR-NCA) initiative, Meatco has provided the Kavango Livestock Marketing Cooperative (KLMC) with training in livestock marketing and rangeland management worth about N$165,000, to enhance productivity and environmental stewardship.
Meanwhile, under the United States African Development Foundation (USADF), the entity has through the Market Access Support Programme (MASP) facilitated business plans for livestock auction pens in both regions (N$25 000 each) and supported the Kavango East region with N$4.5 million in funding and mentorship through SME Compete, formalising livestock trade and improving profitability.
As part of its drought relief efforts, Meatco partnered with the Office of the Prime Minister to deliver 275 969 and 194 540 meat packs to the two regions, valued at N$34.7 million and N$24.5 million. An additional 22 974 game meat packs worth about N$528 000 were also distributed through the Rundu Abattoir, reinforcing food security.
Empowerment
Since the reopening of the Rundu Abattoir in August 2023, Meatco has created 142 direct jobs, converting all fixed-term contracts to permanent positions in December 2024.
In collaboration with the Social Security Commission, Meatco also implemented the Mobile Slaughter Unit (MSU) Offal Offtake Project worth about N$1.4 million, promoting income generation and inclusive local value addition.
The visit also included a stop at the Namibia Industrial Development Agency (NIDA)’s Kavango Cattle Ranch, where Meatco Management conferred with farm officials on strengthening supply chain collaboration to increase cattle throughput at the Rundu Abattoir and improve operational efficiencies.
Looking ahead, Aochamub said that Meatco, through the Foundation, will implement the Agri-Business Facility Africa Matching Grant Fund (2026–2027), with N$337,000 for each region. The planned interventions include supporting the Farmer Business School and Atingi Training, aimed at building entrepreneurship and agribusiness management capacity.
Fodder production, bush-to-feed systems, rangeland rehydration, hydroponics, and biodigester technologies will also be covered.
“Meatco is a state-owned enterprise and a leading processor and exporter of Namibian beef to premium global markets. Through its integrated value chain and the Meatco Foundation, the organisation champions sustainable livestock production, rural empowerment, and equitable participation in Namibia’s agricultural economy,” he said.