EU Supports Namibia’s Livestock Export Chain with US$10 Million Vehicle Boost

Namibia has received nine specialised vehicles valued at US$10 million from the European Union in a move aimed at strengthening the country’s livestock value chain and safeguarding meat exports to European markets.

The vehicles were handed over to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform and are designed to operate across rough and remote terrain. Authorities say they will enhance veterinary services, livestock inspection and disease surveillance in hard-to-reach farming areas.

Namibia remains the only African nation authorised to export fresh beef to the European Union, a status that depends on strict animal health controls and robust traceability systems.

EU Ambassador to Namibia Ana-Beatriz Martins said at the handover ceremony that the support marked the culmination of long-term cooperation between the EU and the Namibian government.

She noted that the vehicles represent more than logistical support, illustrating the breadth of bilateral relations spanning agriculture, trade, governance and green industries.

Martins said the vehicles would improve farmers’ access to markets and reduce operational costs.

“The vehicles stand for better market access, lower transport costs, improved animal welfare and stronger rural economies,” she said.

She also highlighted the challenges facing farmers in the Northern Communal Areas, noting that they have long grappled with structural constraints that limit productivity and market access.

Raising concerns about disease risks, Martins pointed to foot-and-mouth outbreaks along Namibia’s external borders.

“As Africa’s only fresh meat exporter to Europe, Namibia has good reason to be alarmed by foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks on its external borders,” she said, adding that the vehicles would strengthen surveillance capacity and emergency response mechanisms.