Windhoek: Vehaka Tjimune has officially taken office as the Chief Executive Officer of the Livestock and Livestock Products Board of Namibia (LLPBN) for a five-year term, succeeding acting CEO Goliath Tujendapi after the retirement of long-serving chief Paul Strydom last year.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the LLPBN board chairperson, Lucia Hamutenya, announced the appointment on Tuesday, noting that Tjimune leads the regulatory body during a crucial period for the national and regional agricultural sectors. Tjimune brings over 37 years of leadership experience in the agri-food sector across Namibia and the wider SADC region. His career includes senior executive and policy advisory roles in international development, notably as Senior Policy Advisor for Agriculture and Land at GIZ.

He has held leadership positions at Meatco, focusing on livestock procurement, producer services, and stakeholder management, and has served in senior roles at the Namibia National Farmers Union (NNFU). Tjimune has provided institutional support and strategic governance policy for Namibia's agri-food sector, Hamutenya said.

He holds a master's degree from the University of Reading in the UK, with specialised expertise in agricultural policy, institutional reform, corporate strategy, and value chain development. The LLPBN board expressed strong confidence in Tjimune's strategic vision and collaborative leadership approach.

As CEO, he will spearhead the board's core mandate, which focuses on promoting and regulating Namibia's livestock and livestock products industry, advancing sustainable growth and industry innovation, and fostering value creation for the benefit of all agricultural stakeholders, it said. The board extends a warm welcome to Mr Tjimune and wishes him every success as he assumes leadership of the organisation, Hamutenya said.

Tjimune's appointment followed a recommendation from the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Land Reform, Inge Zaamwani. She supported the initial selection by the outgoing LLPBN board and submitted the recommendation to the executive branch. Subsequently, the Cabinet approved the five-year appointment.

In response to public criticism regarding Tjimune's age (58), Cabinet defended the decision, emphasising that competence and expertise outweigh age considerations. It asserted that Tjimune's proven track record is essential for enhancing regulatory oversight.