Namibia is at an advanced stage of concluding an agreement that will see the country exporting small livestock such as goat and sheep meat to China, a government official has revealed.
If pulled through, the deal will complement the existing high-class market for beef which started in 2019, thus increasing Namibia’s growth income.
“The government is at an advanced stage to finalise the sheep and goat meat market access agreement with China. When finalised, this will open up a significant market for Namibian sheep and goat meat products, thus creating opportunity for increased domestic productive capacity by producers,” Agriculture Minister Calle Schlettwein said on Thursday at the re-opening of the O&L’s Farmers Meat market at Mariental.
Namibia is the only country on the African continent with access to the best paying markets the world over, he said.
“We achieved that because our veterinary capabilities and our abattoirs are rated equivalent in quality to those countries for which we have market access. To maximise the economic benefits of this agricultural potential we must leverage off this great achievement. We must make absolutely sure that our veterinary status is maintained, even better,” Schlettwein said.
In addition, he said there is a need to ensure solid phytosanitary capabilities to safeguard the country’s export potential for agricultural commodities.
The Minister also emphasised maintaining an ability to supply both the domestic market and export markets, be it in Africa through the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, or existing and potential markets elsewhere.
“I am further pleased to inform you that Parliament has approved the amended Meat Industry Act, which creates a consolidated regulatory framework through which meat industries can be better and more effectively supported. This is an important milestone achieved on our road towards a better integrated agricultural sector, which envelopes the value chain development rather than a fragmented approach followed in the past,” he said.
Schlettwein said partnerships with the private sector are pivotal in revitalising the economy.
“As such, O&L, Hartlief and Farmers Meat have risen to this challenge, through this investment and similar investments in other sectors of the economy. Your efforts in creating new industries, such as Farmers Meat and the latest hydrogen and solar projects, are vivid progress points away from the dependency on imports, while simultaneously generating employment opportunities with additional positive ripple effects in the economy,” he said.
O&L Farmers Market commercial operations began in October 2022 after a two-year closure caused by the devastating drought that plagued it.
“The prolonged drought led to a shortage of sheep, making it challenging to sustain the facility’s operations. However, due to the availability of animals in the local market following an improved rainy season, we reinstated the operation of the facility,” said O&L Chief Executive Officer Wessie Van Der Westhuizen.
Westhuizen said the reopening of Farmers Meat in October 2022 has already made a remarkable impact.
“As the biggest sheep abattoir operation in Namibia and the only approved exporter of sheep meat in the country, we have paid over N$75 million to sheep producers between October 2022 and June 2023. This showcases our commitment to supporting local farmers and fostering economic development within our communities,” the O&L CEO said.
Furthermore, he said through Farmers Meat the exceptional quality of Namibian lamb is showcased and enjoyed on an international scale such as deboned lamb exported to Norway and Seychelles, and soon we will be exporting the first consignment to Germany (EU) and the Bermuda Island (Caribbean Islands).
“However, to sustain this infrastructure, the plans to export to China, the Middle East and the United States need to be expedited by the Government. Obtaining export status opens the doors to lucrative international markets, the SADC region and the wider African market, presenting tremendous growth opportunities for our business and Namibia as a whole,” he said.
Weisthuizen revealed that, for 2023 they plan to process 55,000 sheep, about 100,000 to 170,000 sheep in 2024.
By 2025, the CEO envisions reaching full production capacity, by processing 280,000 sheep.
“This will necessitate additional investments which we are only too willing to make. Hence, the abattoir will be temporarily shut down for the period from the 7th of August until the 4th of September 2023 to allow for significant maintenance, improvements, upgrades and investment to the plant. These plans demonstrate our unwavering dedication to the growth and prosperity of the Namibian meat industry,” he said.
