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.

Agra profits up 40% amid livestock disease fears

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Namibian Sun 2026-11-03

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Agra profits up 40% amid livestock disease fears

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Namibian Sun 2026-11-03

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