Namibia’s state-owned Meat Corporation (Meatco) has fulfilled its 2025 high-grade beef export quota to Norway, concluding shipments that secured the maximum 1,200 tonnes permitted under the European Free Trade Area (EFTA) agreement.
The final consignment, shipped last week, concludes a profitable obligation for the country. Norway remains a cornerstone of Meatco’s export strategy, typically generating over 20% of the company’s annual revenue. The EFTA deal allows the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) member to export the premium beef to the European market on a duty-free basis.
Meatco interim CEO Albertus Aochamub hailed the achievement, stating the successful execution of 45 consignments, totaling 1,153.5 tonnes under conversion guidelines, demonstrates the company’s operational stability and Namibia’s reputation for quality.
Export Dip and Quality Assurance
Despite the successful quota completion to Norway, Namibia’s overall beef exports registered a sharp decline in the second quarter of 2025, dropping by nearly half compared to the same period in 2024, according to the Livestock and Livestock Products Board of Namibia (LLPBN).
The European Union remains Namibia’s largest destination, absorbing approximately 82.6% of total shipments. Norway accounted for 10.8%, with China taking 2.4%, and smaller volumes going to South Africa, Botswana, and Angola.
In a separate development bolstering its export credibility, Meatco’s Windhoek processing facility achieved the highest possible rating, A+, in an unannounced audit by the British Retail Consortium Global Standard (BRCGS) for global food safety compliance.
The top-tier assessment found strong leadership in food safety management, a robust Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) system, and full product traceability achievable within four hours. The facility complies with regulations across the EU, USDA, South Africa, and Namibia. Aochamub credited employees and producers for the result, confirming the company’s adherence to global quality standards.
