Meatco is seeking to expand the international footprint of its Okapuka Tannery, targeting new opportunities in the European Union and Asia as it positions Namibian leather for wider global market access.
The tannery currently exports full-substance wet blue leather to Italy, South Africa, Kenya, Zimbabwe and Ghana, while Meatco is also pursuing opportunities across the Southern African Development Community and African Continental Free Trade Area.
The market expansion drive follows Okapuka Tannery’s successful completion of its latest sustainability audit conducted by the Sustainable Leather Foundation (SLF).
The audit is expected to support the tannery’s efforts to align with internationally recognised environmental, social and governance standards as global buyers increasingly place emphasis on traceability and responsible production.
Meatco Interim Chief Executive Officer Ambassador Albertus Aochamub said the achievement demonstrates Namibia’s capacity to supply products that meet international market expectations.
“This milestone is about more than compliance. It demonstrates that Namibia can transform its livestock resources into premium, traceable and responsibly produced products that meet the expectations of international markets,” Aochamub said.
Okapuka Tannery processes locally sourced and traceable Namibian cattle hides, with its leather supplying industries including automotive manufacturing, furniture and garments.
Meatco is also seeking to use greater market access to support a shift towards higher-value leather processing in Namibia.
“We must move beyond exporting intermediate products and unlock more value here at home. Finished leather and other higher-value products present opportunities for industrialisation, jobs, export earnings and stronger returns from Namibia’s livestock sector,” Aochamub said.
