STAFF WRITER
The Government has paid off livestock farmers that were owed by the Meat Corporation of Namibia (Meatco) as part of the 2024/25 Drought Relief Programme.
Meatco confirmed the development in a statement on Wednesday but did not reveal how much was paid off.
“The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform has confirmed the release of funds on 27 January 2026. This intervention brings timely relief to producers who have borne the brunt of one of the most severe droughts in recent years and reinforces Government’s commitment to safeguarding livelihoods, food security, and the resilience of Namibia’s agricultural sector,” the statement said.
Meatco Interim Chief Executive Officer, Albertus Aochamub said Meatco recognises the collaborative role played by the Office of the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform in ensuring that the drought relief effort reached affected producers, particularly in communal areas where vulnerability was most acute.
“The settlement of these outstanding payments is not only an important financial milestone for producers, but also a confidence-building measure for the broader red meat value chain,” said Aochamub.
He added that “It reinforces trust at a time when restoring credibility, predictability, and partnership is central to Meatco’s recovery journey.”
According to Meatco rebuilding trust with producers, Government, financiers, employees, and trading partners remains a strategic priority.
The company said timely settlement of producer obligations is a cornerstone of this effort, alongside strengthened governance, financial discipline, and operational focus.
Meatco also reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with Government and all stakeholders to stabilise and grow the red meat industry, support communal and commercial producers alike, and ensure that Meatco fulfils its developmental and commercial mandate in a sustainable manner.
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