Okapuka Tannery secures international ESG validation

Meatco’s Okapuka Tannery has achieved international environmental, social, and governance (ESG) validation following an independent evaluation by the Sustainable Leather Foundation (SLF). The audit confirms the facility's alignment with global standards for responsible production and transparency.

The tannery processes traceable Namibian cattle hides into high-quality wet blue leather for use in the automotive, furniture, and garment industries. Current export markets include Italy, South Africa, Kenya, Zimbabwe, and Ghana. Following the successful audit, Meatco aims to expand its reach into the European Union and Asian markets, as well as within the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Meatco Interim CEO Ambassador Albertus Aochamub stated that the milestone demonstrates Namibia’s ability to transform livestock resources into premium, traceable products. He emphasized the company's goal to move up the value chain by producing finished leather locally to drive industrialization, job creation, and increased export earnings.