Staff Writer
Meatco has opened negotiations for possible funding from the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA).
The company hosted the President of BADEA , Abdullah Khalil Al- Musaibeeh on Wednesday for a high-level strategic engagement aimed at unlocking investment and financing opportunities across Namibia’s beef value chain.
The engagement formed part of BADEA’s broader mandate to strengthen partnerships with African institutions and support sustainable economic development through targeted development finance.
Speaking during the engagement, Meatco’s Interim Chief Executive Officer,
Ambassador Albertus Aochamub, underscored the strategic importance of aligning investment with Namibia’s long-term agricultural and industrialisation objectives.
“This engagement signals a shift from dialogue to delivery, mobilising development finance to unlock Namibia’s full livestock value chain,” said Aochamub.
He further emphasised Meatco’s role as a national asset and a catalyst for inclusive economic growth, particularly in rural areas where livestock production remains a critical livelihood.
“We are not just exporting beef, we are exporting value, jobs, and a globally
competitive Namibian brand into premium markets.”
Discussions also focused on enhancing Namibia’s export competitiveness, particularly in premium markets such as the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), while deepening value addition and strengthening food security outcomes.
BADEA, a development finance institution operating across trade finance, public sector, and private sector support, reaffirmed its commitment to identifying bankable opportunities that deliver both commercial returns and developmental impact.
Meatco presented three priority investment opportunities aligned with its turnaround strategy and national development priorities including the revival of the Small Stock Abattoir, expansion of tannery operations
and the reactivation of cannery operations
The proposed project will reactivate the small stock abattoir with a targeted capacity of up to 1,000 animals per day.
Meatco currently processes hides to the Wet Blue stage. The proposed capital injection will enable further local beneficiation, unlocking higher-value export opportunities, strengthening SME participation, and supporting communal farmers and rural economies.
The cannery, currently non-operational due to outdated technology, will be
modernised to support national food security objectives.
“These are catalytic projects, each designed to drive growth, strengthen food security, and advance inclusive rural development,” Aochamub said.
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