Meatco’s interim CEO Albertus Aochamub has reflected on the significance of the recent visit by Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare and Deputy Minister of Agriculture Ruthy Masake to Meatco’s Windhoek Abattoir.

The occasion was marked as an opportunity to reflect on the progress of one of Namibia’s key national institutions and to discuss the future trajectory of the country’s livestock industry.

Aochamub highlighted the importance of the visit, stating: “It was an honour to welcome the Prime Minister and Deputy Minister. Their visit allowed us to review our achievements and chart a path forward for the industry and the institution.”

He outlined some of Meatco’s notable milestones in its recovery journey, which include returning to profitability, thereby establishing a stronger foundation for sustainable growth, as well as procuring approximately 29 000 cattle by mid-July this year towards Meatco’s target of 50 000 cattle by February 2027, which is well ahead of the corresponding period last year.

Aochamub said other milestones by Meatco were successfully fulfilling Namibia’s 2026 Norwegian beef export quota by June and implementing a renewed Northern Communal Area (NCA) Push Strategy, which expands opportunities for local producers, enhances value addition, and improves access to regional and international markets.

He emphasised that these achievements are more than corporate milestones; they symbolise growing confidence among producers, industry stakeholders, and the broader Namibian community.

“One message from the Prime Minister particularly resonated with me is when he said: “There are low-hanging fruits in every organisation. Where resources are available, let us act decisively and maximise the opportunities before us,” he said.

“Recovery is built through disciplined execution, strong partnerships and a shared commitment to leaving institutions stronger than we found them. My sincere appreciation to the Prime Minister and his delegation for their encouragement and engagement with our team. The true measure of leadership is not the position we hold, but the institutions we strengthen and the opportunities we create for others,” said Aochamub.

Ngurare’s visit underscores Namibia’s ongoing commitment to revitalising its livestock industry and reinforcing Meatco’s vital role in the national economy.

-ohembapu@nepc.com.na