‘Excluded’ northern beef farmers poised to secure Qatar market ‘Excluded’ northern beef farmers poised to secure Qatar market
STAFF REPORTER
WIndhoek
Namibia is preparing for a high-level investment and trade mission to Qatar later this month, with their hopes pinned on unlocking a lucrative new export market, particularly for beef farmers located north of the so-called red line.For decades, communal livestock producers north of the veterinary cordon fence, the formal term for the red line, have been shut out of lucrative export markets. But with the recent Halal certification of Meatco’s abattoirs in Katima Mulilo and Rundu, new opportunities are finally coming into view.
The Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), which is facilitating the mission, has invited the ministry of agriculture to join the delegation.
“This development holds potential not only for expanding Namibia’s meat and allied products export markets but also for creating a valuable market for NCA farmers,” NIPDB chief executive officer Nangula Uaandja wrote in the invitation letter, seen by Namibian Sun, to agriculture executive director Ndiyakupi Nghituwamata.
NIPDB stressed that the mission was designed to connect Namibian stakeholders with “high-level Qatari government officials from offices and ministries such as the Office of Deputy Prime Minister, agriculture and transportation.”
NCA farmers’ exclusion
For years, farmers in the northern communal areas (NCAs) could not export beef to international markets because – among other reasons – their abattoirs lacked Halal certification, a requirement in Muslim-majority countries.
Compounding this was the redline, which restricts the movement of cattle from the north to protect Namibia’s disease-free beef export status.
This meant producers south of the fence accessed premium destinations like the European Union, while NCA farmers were left behind and often had to sell their cattle at lower prices locally or regionally.
The NIPDB acknowledged these past limitations in its letter, writing that it had previously collaborated with the agriculture ministry to secure market access to Qatar, “but were limited to provide further support as Namibia could not export its meat products to the country due to the lack of Halal certification in the NCA abattoirs.”
With the certification of the Katima Mulilo and Rundu abattoirs now in place, the board has “re-engaged with Qatari relevant institutions and potential commercial buyers, to explore this promising export opportunity and attract competitive pricing that Qatar offers for premium beef.”
Wider implications for communal farmers
The programme includes engagements with major importers such as Torba Agriculture, Baladna, Widam, and Oskadi Trading, along with platforms like the Qatar Africa Business Forum and the Qatar Businessmen Association, which will serve as host and facilitator. A series of site visits to Qatari facilities is also scheduled.
If successful, the mission could boost incomes for communal livestock producers, who have long been excluded from Namibia’s most profitable beef markets. Greater demand from Qatar could also stimulate investment in infrastructure and veterinary services across northern Namibia, ensuring that NCA cattle meet the quality and health standards required for international buyers.
NIPDB has recommended that key institutions such as the directorate of veterinary services, Meatco and the Livestock and Livestock Products Board form part of the delegation to ensure broad representation.
STAFF REPORTER
WIndhoek
Namibia is preparing for a high-level investment and trade mission to Qatar later this month, with their hopes pinned on unlocking a lucrative new export market, particularly for beef farmers located north of the so-called red line.For decades, communal livestock producers north of the veterinary cordon fence, the formal term for the red line, have been shut out of lucrative export markets. But with the recent Halal certification of Meatco’s abattoirs in Katima Mulilo and Rundu, new opportunities are finally coming into view.
The Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), which is facilitating the mission, has invited the ministry of agriculture to join the delegation.
“This development holds potential not only for expanding Namibia’s meat and allied products export markets but also for creating a valuable market for NCA farmers,” NIPDB chief executive officer Nangula Uaandja wrote in the invitation letter, seen by Namibian Sun, to agriculture executive director Ndiyakupi Nghituwamata.
NIPDB stressed that the mission was designed to connect Namibian stakeholders with “high-level Qatari government officials from offices and ministries such as the Office of Deputy Prime Minister, agriculture and transportation.”
WIndhoek
Namibia is preparing for a high-level investment and trade mission to Qatar later this month, with their hopes pinned on unlocking a lucrative new export market, particularly for beef farmers located north of the so-called red line.For decades, communal livestock producers north of the veterinary cordon fence, the formal term for the red line, have been shut out of lucrative export markets. But with the recent Halal certification of Meatco’s abattoirs in Katima Mulilo and Rundu, new opportunities are finally coming into view.
The Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), which is facilitating the mission, has invited the ministry of agriculture to join the delegation.
“This development holds potential not only for expanding Namibia’s meat and allied products export markets but also for creating a valuable market for NCA farmers,” NIPDB chief executive officer Nangula Uaandja wrote in the invitation letter, seen by Namibian Sun, to agriculture executive director Ndiyakupi Nghituwamata.
NIPDB stressed that the mission was designed to connect Namibian stakeholders with “high-level Qatari government officials from offices and ministries such as the Office of Deputy Prime Minister, agriculture and transportation.”
NCA farmers’ exclusion
For years, farmers in the northern communal areas (NCAs) could not export beef to international markets because – among other reasons – their abattoirs lacked Halal certification, a requirement in Muslim-majority countries.
Compounding this was the redline, which restricts the movement of cattle from the north to protect Namibia’s disease-free beef export status.
This meant producers south of the fence accessed premium destinations like the European Union, while NCA farmers were left behind and often had to sell their cattle at lower prices locally or regionally.
The NIPDB acknowledged these past limitations in its letter, writing that it had previously collaborated with the agriculture ministry to secure market access to Qatar, “but were limited to provide further support as Namibia could not export its meat products to the country due to the lack of Halal certification in the NCA abattoirs.”
With the certification of the Katima Mulilo and Rundu abattoirs now in place, the board has “re-engaged with Qatari relevant institutions and potential commercial buyers, to explore this promising export opportunity and attract competitive pricing that Qatar offers for premium beef.”
Wider implications for communal farmers
The programme includes engagements with major importers such as Torba Agriculture, Baladna, Widam, and Oskadi Trading, along with platforms like the Qatar Africa Business Forum and the Qatar Businessmen Association, which will serve as host and facilitator. A series of site visits to Qatari facilities is also scheduled.
If successful, the mission could boost incomes for communal livestock producers, who have long been excluded from Namibia’s most profitable beef markets. Greater demand from Qatar could also stimulate investment in infrastructure and veterinary services across northern Namibia, ensuring that NCA cattle meet the quality and health standards required for international buyers.
NIPDB has recommended that key institutions such as the directorate of veterinary services, Meatco and the Livestock and Livestock Products Board form part of the delegation to ensure broad representation.
STAFF REPORTER
WIndhoek
Namibia is preparing for a high-level investment and trade mission to Qatar later this month, with their hopes pinned on unlocking a lucrative new export market, particularly for beef farmers located north of the so-called red line.For decades, communal livestock producers north of the veterinary cordon fence, the formal term for the red line, have been shut out of lucrative export markets. But with the recent Halal certification of Meatco’s abattoirs in Katima Mulilo and Rundu, new opportunities are finally coming into view.
The Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), which is facilitating the mission, has invited the ministry of agriculture to join the delegation.
“This development holds potential not only for expanding Namibia’s meat and allied products export markets but also for creating a valuable market for NCA farmers,” NIPDB chief executive officer Nangula Uaandja wrote in the invitation letter, seen by Namibian Sun, to agriculture executive director Ndiyakupi Nghituwamata.
NIPDB stressed that the mission was designed to connect Namibian stakeholders with “high-level Qatari government officials from offices and ministries such as the Office of Deputy Prime Minister, agriculture and transportation.”
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