Allexer Namundjembo
The Meat Corporation of Namibia (Meatco) aims to increase value addition by processing Wagyu cattle locally as it moves into the premium beef market.
Meatco on Monday announced that it has slaughtered and processed Wagyu cattle.
Wagyu refers to four main Japanese cattle breeds known for high-quality beef that requires specialised breeding, feeding and management.
“This is more than a processing milestone; it is a statement of intent. Namibia is not just participating in global beef markets; we are moving decisively into the premium segment where value, not volume, defines success,” said Meatco interim chief executive officer Albertus Aochamub.
Aochamub said the move is part of its plan to reposition Namibia’s beef industry toward higher-value products.
This includes investment in infrastructure, skills and new systems.
Aochamub said Wagyu processing has been supported by quality checks such as marbling assessments and grading systems, as well as training for workers.
Namibian Wagyu is already being exported to Europe, including high-end restaurants.
The development comes after years of financial challenges at Meatco.
The company recorded losses between 2020 and 2024 due to operational issues, debt and external pressures such as drought and supply chain disruptions.
In 2024, Meatco reported an operational loss of about N$258 million. It also recorded losses of over N$118 million in the 2022/23 financial year.
The company started to recover in the 2023/24 financial year. It reduced its net loss to N$67 million and increased revenue to about N$1.2 billion.
In 2025, Meatco recorded its first profit in nearly a decade, with an operational profit of over N$100 million.
This was driven by stronger exports and internal reforms.
Recent figures show further improvement. Revenue rose to about N$1.87 billion, with a net profit of around N$43 million in the 2024/25 financial year.
