FMD outbreak in Namibia risks economic collapse
Namibia’s red meat industry is on high alert as the persistent foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) crisis in South Africa continues to threaten regional livestock trade and market stability.
This was the central concern raised at the International Red Meat Forum (RMF), held in South Africa in late October, where Namibia’s proactive disease-control measures were highlighted as a critical line of defence against potential economic fallout.
The forum, which brings together livestock producer organisations from Namibia, Botswana and South Africa every six months, saw industry leaders warn that an FMD outbreak in Namibia could lead to an immediate shutdown of all export markets, triggering an economic collapse comparable to the Covid-19 lockdown period.
“FMD remains one of the biggest threats to regional livestock trade,” participants stressed, calling for unwavering vigilance along borders.
The Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU) said Namibia’s Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) is responsible for maintaining strict biosecurity protocols, which are supported by the Livestock and Livestock Products Board (LLPB) and producers across the country.
The forum agreed that Namibia’s export status, built over decades, rests on this coordinated effort.
Financial strain
Meanwhile, Botswana’s decision to ban live cattle exports to South Africa from 2025 drew sharp debate.
The NAU said that while the policy aims to bolster domestic abattoirs, it has already halved local weaner prices, exposing small-scale producers to financial strain and illustrating how government interventions can ripple through regional markets.
In contrast, South Africa’s red meat industry has shown resilience despite ongoing FMD outbreaks. Slaughter numbers remain steady, and carcass prices have surged by nearly 40% since January.
But with South Africa consuming 97% of its own meat production, the country’s domestic market continues to cushion it from the export disruptions that would devastate Namibia, which exports roughly 60% of its beef.
Cross-border partnerships
According to the NAU, forum delegates reaffirmed a shared commitment to eradicating FMD through stronger regional cooperation involving Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and South Africa. Such collaboration, they agreed, is essential to restore market confidence and protect the livelihoods of thousands of livestock producers across southern Africa.
Representing Namibia were Livestock Producers Organisation chairperson Jako van Wyk and NAU's executive manager Roelie Venter.
Both emphasised the importance of sustained cooperation and evidence-based policies to keep Namibia’s red meat industry globally competitive.
This was the central concern raised at the International Red Meat Forum (RMF), held in South Africa in late October, where Namibia’s proactive disease-control measures were highlighted as a critical line of defence against potential economic fallout.
The forum, which brings together livestock producer organisations from Namibia, Botswana and South Africa every six months, saw industry leaders warn that an FMD outbreak in Namibia could lead to an immediate shutdown of all export markets, triggering an economic collapse comparable to the Covid-19 lockdown period.
“FMD remains one of the biggest threats to regional livestock trade,” participants stressed, calling for unwavering vigilance along borders.
The Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU) said Namibia’s Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) is responsible for maintaining strict biosecurity protocols, which are supported by the Livestock and Livestock Products Board (LLPB) and producers across the country.
The forum agreed that Namibia’s export status, built over decades, rests on this coordinated effort.
Financial strain
Meanwhile, Botswana’s decision to ban live cattle exports to South Africa from 2025 drew sharp debate.
The NAU said that while the policy aims to bolster domestic abattoirs, it has already halved local weaner prices, exposing small-scale producers to financial strain and illustrating how government interventions can ripple through regional markets.
In contrast, South Africa’s red meat industry has shown resilience despite ongoing FMD outbreaks. Slaughter numbers remain steady, and carcass prices have surged by nearly 40% since January.
But with South Africa consuming 97% of its own meat production, the country’s domestic market continues to cushion it from the export disruptions that would devastate Namibia, which exports roughly 60% of its beef.
Cross-border partnerships
According to the NAU, forum delegates reaffirmed a shared commitment to eradicating FMD through stronger regional cooperation involving Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and South Africa. Such collaboration, they agreed, is essential to restore market confidence and protect the livelihoods of thousands of livestock producers across southern Africa.
Representing Namibia were Livestock Producers Organisation chairperson Jako van Wyk and NAU's executive manager Roelie Venter.
Both emphasised the importance of sustained cooperation and evidence-based policies to keep Namibia’s red meat industry globally competitive.
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