Namibia’s live small stock exports rose by 52.2% in March 2026, driven mainly by increased sheep exports, while overall livestock marketing also continued to expand during the period, according to the Namibia Statistics Agency.
The agency said the Index for Live Small Stock Exports increased by 52.2% in March 2026, compared to a 21.0% increase recorded in February 2026. On an annual basis, the index rose by 44.9%.
According to the NSA, a total of 84,583 small stock animals were exported live during the month under review, compared to 55,558 recorded in February 2026 and 58,393 exported in March 2025.
Of the total live small stock exported, 89.0% were sheep, while 11.0% were goats.
The agency also reported continued growth in exports to approved abattoirs and butchers.
“The Small Stock Export to Approved Abattoirs and Butchers Index recorded an increase of 23.3% in March 2026, following a 19.4% rise in February 2026. On a year-on-year basis, the index rose by 39.5%,” the NSA said.
In absolute terms, 17,509 small stock animals were marketed to export-approved abattoirs and butchers during March 2026, with all animals sourced from south of the Veterinary Cordon Fence.
The NSA said no small stock marketed to export-approved abattoirs and butchers originated from north of the Veterinary Cordon Fence during the review period.
Meanwhile, the Pigs Slaughtered Index recovered during March 2026, recording a 10.6% increase after declining by 6.5% in February.
On an annual basis, the pigs slaughtered index rose by 8.9%.
According to the agency, 4,520 pigs were slaughtered locally in March 2026, compared to 4,088 pigs recorded in February 2026 and 4,150 pigs slaughtered in March 2025.
The NSA further reported that the Livestock Marketed Composite Index increased by 15.3% in March 2026, following growth of 36.7% in the preceding month. Compared to March 2025, the index expanded by 40.4%.
A total of 127,189 animals were marketed during March 2026, compared to 91,720 animals in February 2026 and 88,596 animals marketed during the same month last year.
The Cattle Export to Approved Abattoirs and Butchers Index also continued to grow during the review period.
“During the review period, the Cattle Export to Approved Abattoirs and Butchers Index rose by 3.3%, following a strong 39.6% increase recorded in the preceding month. Year-on-year, the index registered growth of 32.3%,” the NSA said.
In absolute terms, 12,216 cattle were marketed to export-approved abattoirs and butchers in March 2026, up from 11,825 cattle recorded in February 2026 and 9,236 cattle recorded in March 2025.
