Africa-Press – Namibia. Staff Reporter
THE Livestock and Livestock Products Board of Namibia (LLPBN) has clarified that the recent export of 2,700 cattle to Mauritius was conducted within the law and does not undermine local value addition, emphasising that the transaction supports farmers while maintaining a balance with domestic processing needs.
The Board explained that the export was a private commercial deal between Namibian producers and Mauritian buyers, who sought alternative disease-free livestock following a Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak in South Africa, their traditional supplier.
According to the LLPBN, the export permit was issued in full compliance with the Livestock and Livestock Products Act of 1981 and relevant regulations, which do not prohibit live exports, provided all conditions are met. The Board stressed that blocking such transactions without legal grounds would harm Namibia’s credibility as a reliable trading partner.
While acknowledging concerns about reduced throughput at local abattoirs, the LLPBN said the export was approved within the allowable threshold to ensure alignment with the country’s “Growth at Home” strategy and to safeguard local processing capacity.
The Board further noted that Namibia’s livestock sector operates within a free-market system, allowing supply and demand to guide trade, while ensuring minimal regulatory interference. By opening access to international markets, farmers are able to benefit from competitive pricing, strengthening the resilience of the agricultural value chain.
The LLPBN reaffirmed its commitment to promoting local value addition while also positioning Namibia as a premium global supplier of livestock, adding that the Mauritius export reflects confidence in the country’s high veterinary standards and is not intended to disadvantage the domestic meat industry.
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