Livestock producers across Namibia have received long-awaited financial relief following the release of outstanding drought relief payments under the 2024/25 Drought Relief Programme, the Meat Corporation of Namibia (Meatco) confirmed this week.
According to Meatco, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform released the funds on 27 January 2026, settling payments owed to producers who supplied livestock during one of the most severe droughts Namibia has experienced in recent years.
The intervention, implemented under the leadership of the Office of the Prime Minister, has been welcomed as a critical lifeline for farmers, particularly those in communal areas where drought impacts have been most acute. Producers in these regions have faced widespread livestock losses, declining grazing conditions, and increasing financial strain.
In a statement issued on 28 January 2026, Meatco expressed its appreciation to Government for honouring the outstanding payments, describing the move as a reaffirmation of Government’s commitment to protecting livelihoods, food security, and the long-term resilience of the agricultural sector.
Meatco Interim Chief Executive Officer Ambassador Albertus Aochamub said the settlement goes beyond financial relief, playing a key role in restoring confidence across the red meat value chain.
“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,”Aochamub said. “It reinforces trust at a time when restoring credibility, predictability, and partnership is central to Meatco’s recovery journey.”
The Corporation acknowledged the coordinated efforts between the Office of the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Agriculture in ensuring that the drought relief reached affected producers, noting that such collaboration is essential in times of national crisis.
The payment settlement also aligns with Meatco’s broader Board-approved Turnaround Plan, which runs through to 2027. Central to this plan is rebuilding trust with key stakeholders, including producers, Government, financiers, employees, and trading partners, while strengthening governance, financial discipline, and operational performance.
Meatco emphasised that the timely settlement of producer obligations remains a cornerstone of its recovery strategy, particularly as the red meat industry navigates ongoing climate-related and economic challenges.
Looking ahead, the Corporation reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with Government and industry stakeholders to stabilise and grow Namibia’s red meat sector, support both communal and commercial farmers, and fulfil its developmental and commercial mandate in a sustainable manner.
Meatco described the clearance of the drought relief payments as an opportunity to reset relationships, reinforce accountability, and collectively rebuild a resilient and inclusive livestock economy for Namibia.
