The Meat Corporation of Namibia (Meatco) has resumed beef exports to the Réunion market after successfully dispatching a 25-ton consignment, marking the restoration of the company’s presence in the Indian Ocean destination.
Meatco’s Head of Corporate Affairs, Rosa Thobias, said the shipment, consisting of a single export container ,was prepared and dispatched on 18 February 2026 and represents an important step towards rebuilding trade volumes with the market.
“On 18 February 2026, Meatco successfully prepared and dispatched a consignment of Namibian beef to the Réunion market. The shipment marks a significant milestone in re-entering and restoring Meatco’s presence in this strategic destination,” Thobias said.
She noted that the initial shipment volume was limited due to stock availability but said the export lays the groundwork for increased volumes in the coming months as supply conditions improve.
“Although the initial volume was limited due to stock availability, the consignment represents an important step toward revitalising trade with Réunion and lays a solid foundation for increased export volumes in the near future,” she said.
Thobias added that renewed access to the market was facilitated through collaboration with Namibia’s Honorary Consul to Réunion, underscoring the role of economic diplomacy and international partnerships in expanding export opportunities for Namibian agricultural products.
“This development reaffirms Meatco’s commitment to diversifying its export portfolio, promoting the competitiveness of Namibian agriculture internationally, and leveraging diplomatic relations to unlock sustainable market opportunities for both the organisation and Namibia as a whole,” she said.
The export milestone comes as the state-owned meat processor reports a strong start to the 2025/26 financial year, with bookings already exceeding first-quarter targets and throughput expected to surpass annual projections.
For the current financial year, Meatco is targeting throughput of 50,000 cattle from south of the Veterinary Cordon Fence and 15,000 cattle from the northern communal areas.
By the end of April, confirmed bookings had already reached 20,000 cattle, placing the company ahead of schedule.
The renewed export activity forms part of Meatco’s broader strategy to diversify markets and strengthen revenue resilience amid evolving global trade dynamics and potential disease-related risks affecting traditional export destinations.
