Namibia beef exports threatened by foot-and-mouth disease outbreak

A foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak in Namibia’s ||Kharas region has triggered a suspension of cattle slaughtering and animal movement, threatening the nation’s beef export industry. The outbreak risks compromising Namibia’s disease-free status, which could lead to a total suspension of exports to European, British, and Norwegian markets. These markets account for approximately N$3.3 billion in annual beef export earnings.

Savanna Beef has suspended operations and cattle deliveries following the veterinary services' order to halt slaughter. This disruption comes less than four months after the company reached full operational capacity. The suspension poses significant financial risks to the processor, which is already managing debt from the Industrial Development Corporation, Energy Utilities, and Standard Bank.

The Meat Corporation of Namibia (Meatco) is currently seeking clarity regarding beef consignments that were already in transit to international markets before the outbreak was confirmed. Meanwhile, the Namibian government is engaging with international trading partners and working to notify the World Trade Organization in accordance with animal-health protocols. Analysts suggest that if livestock production falls by 10%, Namibia’s economic growth could decrease by approximately 0.45 percentage points.