Tunis:The Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI) has pledged N$1.5 million to support the Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) National Task Force, along with N$100,000 as seed capital for small-scale meat traders. This contribution aims to aid the national efforts in containing and recovering from the FMD outbreak.
According to Namibia Press Agency, NCCI president Vetumbuavi Mungunda emphasized that the N$100,000 is intended to mobilize Namibians to support small-scale meat traders, including those selling products such as kapana. The methods for mobilization and administration of these funds are still being developed.
Mungunda highlighted the potential economic impact, noting that based on historical marketing trends from October to December, N$1.6 billion in revenue could be at risk if animal movement restrictions remain through the last quarter of 2026. The cattle value chain stands to lose the most, with a potential loss of N$1.27 billion, followed by the sheep value chain at N$195 million.
He warned that prolonged export restrictions could result in the loss of between 15,000 and 20,000 jobs in the agricultural sector, affecting the livelihoods of 85,000 to 125,000 people. Mungunda also noted that approximately 62,129 communal agricultural households rely on livestock for food, savings, and emergency expenses, and these households face significant challenges due to restricted animal sales.
In 2025, livestock farmers produced goods valued at N$6,068 million, with the broader livestock value chain, including meat processing and leather manufacturing, contributing nearly N$7.9 billion to the economy. Livestock farming accounts for about 2.2% of the country's GDP and represents a third of agricultural output.
Mungunda reported an increase in infected farms in southern Namibia and a new outbreak in the Zambezi region, leading to further restrictions. He stressed that the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) is under significant strain and requires additional support from the corporate sector and civil society to prevent collapse.
Recalling the NCCI's previous success in raising N$14 million in 2021 to combat Covid-19, Mungunda called for a united effort to tackle the FMD outbreak, describing it as a collective responsibility. The chamber also urged more contributions to the FMD Support Fund and requested financial institutions and insurers to offer flexible assistance to affected businesses.