The Meat Corporation of Namibia (Meatco) has extended its sincere appreciation to the Government of the Republic of Namibia for honouring outstanding payments owed to livestock producers under the 2024/25 Drought Relief Programme. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform confirmed the release of the crucial funds on Tuesday, 27 January 2026.
This financial intervention provides timely relief to producers who have endured one of the most severe droughts in recent years. Meatco stated that the action reinforces the government’s commitment to safeguarding livelihoods, national food security, and the resilience of the agricultural sector. The corporation specifically acknowledged the collaborative role played by the Office of the Prime Minister and the Ministry in ensuring the relief reached affected producers, particularly in vulnerable communal areas.
Meatco’s Interim Chief Executive Officer, Ambassador Albertus Aochambu, highlighted the significance of the settlement. “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,” he said. “It reinforces trust at a time when restoring credibility, predictability, and partnership is central to Meatco’s recovery journey.”
The corporation is currently implementing a Board-approved Turnaround Plan, which runs through to 2027. A key strategic priority of this plan is rebuilding trust with producers, government, financiers, employees, and trading partners. Meatco identifies the timely settlement of producer obligations as a cornerstone of this effort, alongside strengthened governance, financial discipline, and operational focus.
In its statement, Meatco reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the government and all stakeholders to stabilise and grow the red meat industry. The corporation pledged to support both communal and commercial producers and to fulfil its developmental and commercial mandate sustainably. Meatco views this moment as an opportunity to reset relationships, reinforce accountability, and collectively work towards rebuilding a resilient and inclusive livestock economy for Namibia.