The Chakula Investment Group says it has invested N$37 million towards the construction of a state-of-the-art abattoir set to open in the Kunene Region, Otjikondo area in October.
According to the group, the investment is set to increase to N$42 million before the end of this year.
The privately owned abattoir will have a slaughter capacity of 13,000 per year for large livestock and 24,000 per year for small stock when fully operational.
“The commercial slaughterhouse operation will be phased in six expansion stages with the first and second stage contributing to job creation in the Kunene and Otjozondjupa regions, generating over 75 jobs during construction and operational phases respectively,” Naka Shimwino, Chairman of Chakula Investment Group said.
“To accommodate the relatively remote location of the property, the on-farm abattoir project will further include the construction of a workers’ village, providing accommodation for employees, including abattoir workers and support staff.”
He said the abattoir is planning to apply for export accreditation once it launches its operations.
“The establishment of this abattoir aims to enhance the country’s agricultural sector and contribute to economic growth at both the national and regional levels. It also aligns with the national objectives of promoting global sustainable farming practices, value-added production, and the export of high-quality meat products,” Shimwino said.
Currently operating cattle, pig, sheep, and goat projects on their farm Oribib 33A, the group is simultaneously developing its own feed production farms and in addition, an innovative intensive feedlot system is being implemented to efficiently supply the abattoir.
“This abattoir plays a significant role in Chakula’s comprehensive vertically integrated development strategy,” he said.
The investment comes with Namibia being a key exporter of meat to international markets.
