Bank Windhoek pledges N$2m to FMD fund

Bank Windhoek has pledged N$2 million towards the establishment of the national Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) Fund. The contribution, announced on Thursday, 26 February 2026, is aimed at protecting Namibia’s agricultural sector and the millions of livelihoods it supports.

Bank Windhoek managing director James Chapman made the announcement at the FMD Support Fund launch event in Windhoek. The pledge supports efforts led by the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform and the Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU) to prevent and manage potential outbreaks.

Chapman said agriculture remains a key pillar of the Namibian economy, contributing 7.8% to the Gross Domestic Product and supporting approximately 70% of the population. “As a proud Namibian bank, deeply rooted in agriculture, our contribution to the FMD Fund reflects our commitment to proactive measures that protect farmers, preserve food security, and sustain economic stability,” Chapman said.

The FMD Fund is designed to enhance disease surveillance, strengthen biosecurity, and improve national response capacity. These measures are critical for protecting a livestock sector valued at approximately N$15 billion and preserving Namibia’s access to international export markets.

Recent outbreaks in neighbouring South Africa and Botswana have heightened the regional risk profile. An outbreak in Namibia would result in the immediate suspension of meat exports and long-term market disruption. Although Namibia maintains its official FMD-free status with the World Organisation for Animal Health, the government has intensified preventive measures, including tighter border controls and increased veterinary deployment.

The minister of agriculture, water and land reform, Inge Zaamwani, said she thanked Bank Windhoek and other stakeholders who contributed a combined N$11 million to the fund. She said she urged all parties to continue working together for the national interest.

Chapman said he encourages all stakeholders—including farmers, traders, and transporters—to comply fully with disease control measures to prevent the introduction and spread of FMD.