Namibia is looking at securing alternative markets for its meat and related products, amid suspension by major markets due to the recent outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD).
The Chief Veterinary Officer in the Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform, Kenneth Shoombe, has highlighted that with the speed of vaccination and adherence to Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) restrictions, there is a possibility to open up before the festive season.
Namibian businesses, farmers and organisations have pledged more than N$3 million in cash and in-kind contributions towards the country's Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) response.
The Bank of Namibia has directed banking institutions to grant borrowers affected by the ongoing foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) crisis to provide loan repayment moratoriums ranging from one to 24 months.
Bank of Namibia Governor Ebson Uanguta says the country's economic recovery faces increased pressure from foot-and-mouth disease, rising fuel costs and a widening trade deficit.
This is despite projections of economic growth of 2.1% this year.
With Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) reported in the Zambezi Region, farmers and livestock stakeholders in Kavango West are exploring ways to protect the region's cattle industry and prevent the spread of the disease.
Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform Minister Inge Zaamwani says she will inspect livestock disease checkpoints to assess the need for additional vehicle disinfection facilities amid the Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak.
No new cases of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) have been reported in the Karasburg Veterinary District of the ||Kharas Region.
Agriculture Ministry spokesperson Romeo Muyunda says 93 farms in the area have been inspected, and the outbreak remains confined to 18 farms confirmed as infected.
The outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) is severely affecting the livelihoods of informal meat vendors, particularly in Windhoek’s informal settlements.
Finance Minister Ericah Shifuda will table the 2026/2027 mid-year budget review on Thursday, with key discussions likely to centre on fiscal performance, budget implementation, and accelerating the delivery of development projects.
