Chamwe Kaira
The European Union (EU) delegation in Namibia is funding the 1 000-cattle capacity Etunda Feedlot, valued at N$80 million, as part of a N$400 million support package to the livestock sector in the Northern Communal Areas (NCA).
EU deputy head of mission in Namibia, Ian Dupont, told Observer Money that the feedlot addresses low throughput and livestock quality challenges faced by NCA abattoirs.
It will provide better-quality cattle for slaughter and allow farmers in regions such as Omusati, Kunene, and Oshana to access more diversified markets.
“It is expected to strengthen the livestock value chain, improve business viability and increase income for cattle producers. Together with Namibia’s agriculture ministry, we support these strategic infrastructures across the NCA in order to enhance livestock productivity, strengthen farmers’ adaptation to climate change, and improve access for farmers in the Northern Communal Areas to both local, regional, and international markets through the Commodity Based Trade (CBT),” Dupont said.
Under the Livestock Support Programme (LSP), the EU is also financing the upgrading of the Opuwo slaughterhouse into a modern abattoir, building an Artificial Insemination Centre at Okapya, and renovating quarantine and farm facilities at Omutambo Maowe.
Other projects include constructing an Agricultural Development Centre, a Veterinary Office, and staff housing at Nkurenkuru, upgrading the auction facility in Naute, and enhancing quarantine facilities and farm infrastructure in Katima Mulilo.
The EU co-funded the Communal Land Development Project (CLDP), contributing €17.2 million (roughly N$344.9 million) towards improving land management, productivity, and market orientation in communal areas.
The programme focused on land use planning, securing land rights, infrastructure development, and advisory services. It concluded in March 2023.
Dupont said EU support for green hydrogen and critical raw materials is well known, but these projects are mainly focused on the Erongo region and Lüderitz.
“Namibia successfully positioned itself as a frontrunner in GH2, with several large-scale potential investment projects in the pipeline, representing over €20 billion in projected investment, such as HyIron, Cleanergy, Hyphen, Zhero, HDF, Elof Hanssen, and Daures,” he said.
He added that the EU continues to buy Namibian products with local value addition, such as fruits, beef, charcoal, and others.
“We remain committed to supporting job creation, innovation, and economic resilience. The Etunda Feedlot is one concrete example of how investing together in local infrastructure and skills can help build a stronger, more inclusive future for all Namibians,” Dupont said.
According to the EU, Namibia recorded a trade surplus of N$18 trillion (€874 million) with the bloc in 2024.
