Private and public sector partners on Thursday pledged over N$11.2 million towards the newly launched Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Support Fund.
The fund, launched in Windhoek on Thursday, aims to raise N$50 million to bolster national prevention capacity, strengthen veterinary surveillance, and ensure rapid response should an outbreak occur in Namibia’s FMD-free zone.
Among the donors were AgriMark who pledged over N$200 000, dedicated to nationwide awareness campaigns, educational outreach and logistical support such as transport and safe storage of vaccines in the event of an outbreak, Namib Mills which committed N$1.5 million, and Das Group of Companies, which pledged N$1 million, with N$500 000 earmarked for internal operations and N$500 000 allocated directly to the FMD Support Fund.
FNB Namibia pledged N$2 million, alongside technical support and marketing assistance where needed. Bank Windhoek contributed N$2 million, Feedmaster added N$1.5 million and the Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU) pledged approximately N$3 million, further reinforcing the sector’s commitment.
The pledges come at a time when Namibia faces mounting risk from FMD outbreaks in South Africa and Botswana.
Minister of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform Inge Zaamwani highlighted the critical timing of the fundraising drive and commended stakeholders for responding decisively, noting that such collaboration highlights Namibia’s collective commitment to shielding its agricultural economy from disruption.
In addition to the financial boost, a national FMD Task Force comprising public and private sector experts has been assembled to coordinate scientific, technical and operational strategies for prevention, early detection and rapid containment of any potential FMD outbreak. This task force will work closely with the Directorate of Veterinary Services and industry stakeholders to ensure unified, informed action nationwide.
With N$11.2 million already pledged, Zaamwani said the momentum must continue as Namibia works toward the N$50 million target needed to fortify its defences against the FMD disease.
-Nampa