Agra profits up 40% amid livestock disease fears

Agra's revenue for the six months ended 31 January 2026 increased to N$1.59 billion, compared to N$1.52 billion in the comparative period, representing growth of approximately 4.4% year-on-year (y/y), it said with the release of its unaudited results.

Gross profit increased by 10.7% to N$312.4 million, up from N$282.1 million in the prior period, while operating profit improved by 40.6% to N$86.2 million, up from N$60.7 million in the prior period.

"Profit after taxation amounted to N$62 million at the end of January 2026, demonstrating a strong increase of 40.5% from the prior period profit of N$44.2 million. These results are attributable to enhanced operational performance, bad debt recoveries, and disciplined cost management," Agra said.

During the period, Namibia's livestock sector faced heightened disease-related risks. Lumpy skin disease (LSD) continued to affect farmers across multiple regions, with more than 1,500 cases recorded nationally.

"At the same time, the continued spread of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe increased the likelihood of cross-border transmission. Namibia's FMD-free zone is registered with the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) as free without vaccination, a status that underpins access to high-value international meat markets," Agra said.

"Any loss of this status would result in the immediate suspension of livestock and red-meat exports, with severe implications for producers, processors, and the broader agricultural value chain in which Agra plays a critical role," it added.

In response to these elevated risks, Agra said it had intensified biosecurity measures across its auction sites, including enhanced disinfection and stricter movement-control protocols, to support national prevention efforts and safeguard sector stability.

"Agra continues to focus on operational efficiency, prudent capital allocation, and strengthening its market position while maintaining financial resilience in a dynamic economic environment," it said.