Mauritius market holds potential for NCA farmers - LLPBN

Communal farmers stand to benefit significantly from the emerging Mauritius market, experts say.

Goliath Tujendapi, acting CEO of the Livestock and Livestock Products Board of Namibia (LLPBN), intends to make this trade permanent, offering a vital outlet for producers in the Northern Communal Areas (NCAs).

The opportunity arose after Mauritius closed its doors to South Africa due to foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). Namibia’s strict animal health status makes it the only African nation currently capable of meeting this demand. "When that opportunity arose, the buyers had no choice but to come to Namibia," Tujendapi noted.

The market aligns with the realities of communal farming. Producers often struggle with limited rangeland and the "deadly" cost of feed, making it impossible to raise cattle to full slaughter weight locally. Feeding costs alone constitute 75% of inputs, driven by high electricity and fertiliser prices. Consequently, selling lighter cattle (250 kg–390 kg) to Mauritius is more financially viable than local fattening.

Options under review

To support NCA farmers specifically, the LLPBN is exploring a plan to transport light cattle to Kenya. Animals will be raised in Kenyan feedlots to slaughter weight before heading to Mauritius.

Additionally, Mauritius has already ordered a consignment of 20 to 40 tonnes of premium Namibian beef from Meatco to serve its tourist industry, Tujendapi explained.

Because these exports focus on lighter cattle, they avoid the 30% government levy reserved for animals over 450 kg. However, Tujendapi is lobbying for a complete repeal of this tax.

"My request to the minister of finance would be to request that the whole notice be repealed," he said, arguing that the LLPBN is sufficient for regulation and that removing the levy would put more money into farmers' pockets.

While a second consignment of 2 700 animals is expected soon, future shipments will shift to smaller vessels carrying 600 to 700 head every 40 days.

Tujendapi emphasised that he will not allow heavier cattle meant for local value addition to be exported, ensuring local export abattoirs remain protected.

Regarding animal welfare, Tujendapi described the transport vessels as "state of the art," providing constant access to feed and water, ensuring the cattle are well-maintained during the voyage.