Africa-Press – Namibia. Staff Reporter
MEATCO and the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) have advanced strategic investment talks aimed at unlocking Namibia’s beef value chain and supporting national development priorities.
The discussions saw Meatco presenting three priority investment opportunities aligned with its turnaround strategy, with both parties agreeing on clear next steps toward investment structuring, feasibility alignment, and mobilisation of funding. Among the key proposals is the expansion of tannery operations to enable further local beneficiation and unlock higher-value export opportunities.
The high-level engagement took place in Windhoek when Meatco hosted BADEA President H.E. Abdullah Khalil Al-Musaibeeh and his delegation. The meeting forms part of BADEA’s broader efforts to strengthen partnerships across Africa and support sustainable economic development through targeted financing.
Talks 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 reaffirmed its commitment to identifying bankable projects that deliver both commercial returns and developmental impact across trade finance, public, and private sector initiatives.
Meatco’s Interim Chief Executive Officer, Ambassador Albertus Aochamub, said the engagement marked a transition from dialogue to implementation.
“This engagement signals a shift from dialogue to delivery, mobilising development finance to unlock Namibia’s full livestock value chain,” he said.
Aochamub highlighted Meatco’s role as a national asset and a driver of inclusive economic growth, particularly in rural areas where livestock farming remains a key livelihood.
“We are not just exporting beef, we are exporting value, jobs, and a globally competitive Namibian brand into premium markets,” he added.
Among the proposed projects is the expansion of tannery operations, which currently process hides to the Wet Blue stage. The planned investment will enable further processing locally, increasing value addition, supporting small and medium enterprises, and benefiting communal farmers and rural economies.
The revival of the small stock abattoir is also under consideration. The facility is expected to operate at a capacity of up to 1,000 animals per day, leveraging existing infrastructure and prior export certifications to serve markets in the European Union and the Middle East, while creating jobs and generating revenue.
In addition, plans are underway to modernise and reactivate cannery operations, which are currently non-operational due to outdated technology. Once upgraded, the facility will support national food security by supplying protein products to public institutions such as schools, hospitals, and correctional facilities.
“These are catalytic projects, each designed to drive growth, strengthen food security, and advance inclusive rural development,” Aochamub said.
The engagement concluded with both parties committing to advancing the identified projects, reinforcing Meatco’s position as a key partner for development finance institutions and supporting Namibia’s broader goals of agro-industrialisation, export diversification, and economic resilience.
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