Windhoek: Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, Inge Zaamwani, has announced that Namibia requires N.dollars 1.5 billion to protect its livestock sector from a potential Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak in neighboring countries. The minister underscored the importance of this funding to safeguard the country's livestock sector, valued at N.dollars 15 billion, and to maintain critical market access.According to Namibia Press Agency, the cabinet has recently approved an allocation of N.dollars 57.5 million to support key FMD prevention and preparedness activities. These initiatives aim to strengthen surveillance, response capacity, and the implementation of essential biosecurity measures. Zaamwani delivered these remarks in the National Assembly, providing an update on the country's status and preparedness regarding FMD.The minister highlighted that preliminary estimates indicate an investment of approximately N.dollars 1.5 billion is needed, in addition to the already approved N.d ollars 57 million, to adequately protect the livestock sector and preserve vital market access. Enhanced prevention and control measures include re-zoning the existing FMD-free zone into smaller, compartmentalized FMD-free zones to improve disease containment in the event of an outbreak.The proposed measures also involve the construction of cleaning, disinfection, and incineration facilities at all eight border posts within the FMD-free zone. Additionally, there will be upgrading and rehabilitation of meat processing plants to ensure the continued trade of safe products should an outbreak occur.Several countries in Southern Africa, including South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Eswatini, and Mozambique, have confirmed FMD outbreaks affecting livestock movement and export markets. This regional crisis highlights the risks associated with transboundary animal diseases, emphasizing the need for Namibia to maintain its FMD-free status.Zaamwani stressed that maintaining FMD-free status is not only a veterinary necessity but also a critical national priority to protect the economy, farmers, and access to international markets. She affirmed the government's commitment to protecting animal health, sustaining livelihoods, and preserving Namibia's access to high-value international markets.The minister further reported that FMD is approaching Namibia's borders, with a new case confirmed on 08 February 2026 at Kuruman in the Northern Cape, approximately 400 kilometers from the Namibian border. This development brings the threat closer to southern Namibia, including the ||Kharas and Hardap regions.