Staff Writer
The Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU) says the meat industry is retaining more value within the country as more livestock moves through formal processing systems.
The union said about 84% of the livestock weight leaving farms in 2025 was slaughtered at local or export abattoirs. This is up from 52% in 2015.
The NAU said the increase shows a shift toward local value addition.
It said the industry is building and keeping value at scale through an export-focused value chain that draws livestock into formal processing.
The NAU says the value chain covers processing, packaging and distribution. It supports jobs, business activity and economic growth. It said the system has developed over time and is working effectively to enhance efficiency and meet market demands.
The union said the meat industry operates in a market-driven environment. Farmers respond to prices, manage risks and make production decisions under tough conditions. It said this flexibility is a strength.
However, the NAU said long-term sustainability depends on transparent and well-functioning markets.
It said confidence in the industry requires standards to be met, obligations to be honoured and fair conditions for all players.
The union said value must be shared fairly across the supply chain. It warned that primary producers, who carry most of the costs and risks, should not subsidise other parts of the chain.
“A sustainable industry depends on each segment standing on its own economic merit,” the statement said, adding that market conditions should support value creation.
The NAU says Namibia’s meat industry is recognised internationally for quality, consistency, and integrity. It linked this to efforts across the value chain, starting at the farm level.
It said the focus should now be on keeping the system stable, fair and supportive for all stakeholders.
The union said value creation starts on farms, where producers invest in animal health, genetics and resource management to meet strict market requirements, including those of the European Union.
“Value does not begin at export. It began long before,” the NAU said.
