The Meat Corporation of Namibia (Meatco) and its foundation, has invested more than N$8 million in community development and job creation initiatives across the Kavango East and Kavango West Regions, reinforcing its commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable livestock production.
Since 2020, the Meatco Foundation has channelled N$8,010,544.85 into programmes focused on capacity-building, market development, and drought resilience in the two regions.
The investment has been complemented by the creation of 142 permanent jobs following the reopening of the Rundu Abattoir in August 2023.
According to Meatco Interim Chief Executive Officer, Ambassador Albertus Aochamub, the corporation’s efforts aim to empower communal farmers, enhance market access, and improve livelihoods in northern Namibia.
“Our work in the Kavango Regions demonstrates that sustainable growth begins with empowering farmers and creating shared value. Meatco is committed to ensuring that communities directly benefit from every stage of the livestock value chain,” Aochamub said.
Through the European Development Fund (EDF 11)’s Livestock Value Chain Development and Climate Change Resilience Action (LDCR-NCA) initiative, the Meatco Foundation provided the Kavango Livestock Marketing Cooperative (KLMC) with livestock marketing and rangeland management training valued at N$165,325.70, improving productivity and environmental stewardship.
Under the United States African Development Foundation (USADF) Market Access Support Programme (MASP), the Foundation developed business plans for livestock auction pens in both regions (valued at N$25,000 each) and channelled N$4.5 million through SME Compete to support farmers with mentorship and market linkages, helping formalise livestock trade and improve profitability.
As part of national drought relief efforts, and in partnership with the Office of the Prime Minister, Meatco delivered 275,969 and 194,540 meat packs (1.5 kg each) to the Kavango East and Kavango West Regions, valued at N$34.7 million and N$24.5 million, respectively. An additional 22,974 game meat packs worth N$528,402 were distributed through the Rundu Abattoir to bolster food security amid ongoing drought conditions.
Following the Rundu Abattoir’s reopening, Meatco converted all fixed-term contracts into permanent positions in December 2024, ensuring long-term employment stability.
In collaboration with the Social Security Commission (SSC), Meatco also launched the Mobile Slaughter Unit (MSU) Offal Offtake Project, worth N$1,366,074.17, aimed at promoting income generation, job creation, and local value addition in the beef value chain.
During the regional visit, Meatco management met with officials at the Namibia Industrial Development Agency (NIDA)’s Kavango Cattle Ranch to strengthen supply chain collaboration and increase cattle throughput to the Rundu Abattoir, thereby improving operational efficiencies.
Meatco, through the Meatco Foundation, will roll out the Agri-Business Facility Africa Matching Grant Fund (2026–2027), with N$337,080 allocated to each region.
Planned interventions include the Farmer Business School and Atingi Training to enhance entrepreneurship and agribusiness management.
Further initiatives will focus on climate adaptation and resilience, including fodder production, bush-to-feed systems, rangeland rehydration, hydroponics, and biodigester technologies to strengthen sustainable livestock systems.
The Meat Corporation of Namibia (Meatco) is a state-owned enterprise and Namibia’s leading processor and exporter of premium beef to international markets. Through its integrated value chain and the Meatco Foundation, the company promotes sustainable livestock production, rural empowerment, and equitable participation in Namibia’s agricultural economy.
