The Meat Corporation of Namibia (Meatco) will progressively scale down operations at the Katima Mulilo abattoir. This follows the expiry of its agreement with the Zambezi Meat Corporation (ZAMCO).

Meatco announced on Tuesday that the memorandum of agreement between Meatco and ZAMCO, which was in effect from 10 April 2021 to 15 April 2026, has expired.

Meatco and ZAMCO have agreed to implement a transitional exit plan from 16 April to 30 June 2026 to allow for a structured disengagement of operations at the Katima Mulilo abattoir.

During the transition period, Meatco said it will gradually reduce activities at the facility. This includes inventory verification, stopping cattle procurement and reducing stock levels.

Meatco interim chief executive officer Albertus Aochamub said the transition is focused on protecting producers and maintaining stability in the sector.

“This transition is being executed with discipline and clear intent. Our immediate focus is to protect producer value, maintain market confidence, and ensure operational continuity across the business,” he said.

Aochamub said Meatco is refining its operations as part of its turnaround strategy.

“As Meatco advances its turnaround strategy, we are sharpening our operational footprint and directing resources toward areas that deliver the greatest impact for the Namibian livestock sector,” he said.
According to Meatco, further stakeholder engagements will be held during the transition period to provide updates on the process.

In 2020, Meatco resumed operations at the Katima Mulilo abattoir after it had previously closed due to operational losses of nearly N$43 million during the 2014/15 financial year.

The closure left farmers in the region without a market for their cattle. The government later invested about N$14 million into renovating the abattoir.
The Katima Mulilo abattoir has the capacity to slaughter about 110 cattle per day.
Reporter: Justicia Shipena
Photo: Contributed