Namibia has formally launched a National Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) Task Force and an accompanying FMD Support Fund, in a coordinated effort to protect the country’s N$15 billion livestock industry from the risk of outbreaks that could cripple exports and rural livelihoods.
The twin initiatives were unveiled in Windhoek as government, farmers’ unions and private sector stakeholders stepped up cooperation to safeguard Namibia’s FMD-free status, particularly in light of rising regional outbreaks and illegal cross-border livestock movements.
Foot-and-Mouth Disease is one of the most contagious viral livestock diseases globally. For Namibia, the economic implications extend well beyond animal health. A single confirmed case within the FMD-free zone would trigger an immediate suspension of beef and livestock exports, with severe consequences for an industry that underpins rural incomes and contributes significantly to national output.
Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform Inge Zaamwani said the establishment of the Task Force and Support Fund marks a strategic response to growing risks.
“We are gathered here to witness the launch of two strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing our collective efforts to protect our livestock sector and the livelihoods of our farmers, safeguarding our nation’s animal health status, securing income, and sustaining Namibia’s access to high-value international markets,” she said.
Zaamwani warned that complacency would be costly, noting that heightened regional exposure requires enhanced surveillance, rapid response mechanisms and coordinated prevention efforts.
“These risks require enhanced surveillance, rapid response and coordinated prevention. The establishment of the FMD Support Fund is therefore a testament to the powerful partnership between Government and the private sector,” she said.
The Fund will finance targeted vaccination campaigns, strengthened border biosecurity, improved surveillance infrastructure, emergency response capacity and national farmer awareness programmes.
FNB Namibia announced an initial N$2 million contribution through the FirstRand Namibia Foundation. Philip Chapman, Chief Executive: Commercial at FNB Namibia, described FMD as more than an animal health issue.
“Foot-and-Mouth Disease is not just an animal health issue. It is an economic issue. A food security issue. A livelihood issue,” he said.
Chapman confirmed that the FirstRand Namibia Foundation will join the Fund’s multi-stakeholder steering committee and pledged continued participation beyond financial support.
“Our support does not end with money. Our commitment extends to time, expertise and participation. We stand hand in hand with our partners in the farming and agricultural sector,” he said.
Bank Windhoek also pledged N$2 million towards the Fund. Managing Director James Chapman said agriculture remains a cornerstone of the Namibian economy, contributing 7.8% to gross domestic product and supporting around 70% of the population.
“As a proud Namibian bank, deeply rooted in agriculture, our contribution reflects our commitment to proactive measures that protect farmers, preserve food security and sustain economic stability,” he said.
In total, N$11 million has been pledged by stakeholders to date.
Dr Ingrid Henckert Weissnar, Project Manager of the FMD Support Fund, warned that an outbreak in the FMD-free zone could trigger economic disruption comparable to the Covid-19 lockdown period.
“A single case of FMD in our FMD-free zone could shut down all exports overnight, triggering an economic shock as severe as the Covid-19 lockdown,” she said.
Recent outbreaks in neighbouring South Africa and Botswana have heightened the regional risk profile, increasing pressure on Namibia to strengthen preventive measures. Although the country retains official recognition as FMD-free from the World Organisation for Animal Health, government has intensified border controls, inspections and veterinary deployments.
Officials said the new Task Force and Fund are intended to institutionalise coordination between public authorities and industry players, ensuring preparedness and rapid mobilisation of resources should an outbreak occur.
