Justicia Shipena
The Meat Corporation of Namibia (Meatco) shareholders have seconded Ambassador Albertus !Aochamub to serve as interim chief executive officer.
On Tuesday, Meatco confirmed the start of his six-month term, as endorsed by the board of directors.
Meatco is yet to appoint a substantive CEO after the contract of former chief executive Mwilima Mushokabanji was not renewed.
In July, acting CEO Patrick Liebenberg was suspended pending an investigation, weeks before his term was due to end.
Last month, the board endorsed !Aochamub as interim CEO.
At the time, Meatco board’s deputy chairperson Stephanie de Klerk said the board was seeking someone with the “capacity” to address the challenges facing the company.
!Aochamub served as Namibian ambassador to France from 2018 until recently, with responsibilities also covering Portugal, Spain, Italy, and UNESCO.
He previously worked as director general of the Namibia Broadcasting Corporation (NBC), chief executive of the Namibia Airports Company (NAC), and spokesperson for President Hage Geingob.
In its statement on Tuesday, Meatco said !Aochamub brings experience in executive leadership, governance, economic diplomacy, value-chain development, and agro-industrial strategy. The board said his vision and insight will be key as the company works toward operational stability and long-term sustainability. Meatco added that his leadership will help strengthen service to local customers while expanding premium Namibian beef into regional and international markets.
Previously, analysts warned it could be a disaster for business, saying his diplomatic and political skills do not align with the financial and operational expertise needed to rescue the cash-strapped corporation.
Corporate governance expert Johan Coetzee told the Windhoek Observer last month that !Aochamub may be a politically suitable choice but lacks the background required to turn Meatco around.
However, economist Josef Sheehama disagreed, welcoming the appointment and arguing that !Aochamub’s diplomatic background gives him an advantage in international markets.
Meatco has faced years of mismanagement, theft, and leadership instability.
In June, board chairperson Sakaria Nghikembua resigned, saying he was pressured to carry out illegal instructions.
Around 400 cattle also reportedly disappeared from the Linden Beef Feedlot, with an investigation underway.
