The European Union is evaluating the impact of Namibia's recent foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak on animal and public health within the EU, according to EU Ambassador to Namibia Ana Beatriz Martins. The assessment aims to determine necessary measures to safeguard health. Martins commended Namibian authorities for their swift and transparent response to the outbreak. FMD is highly contagious and can have severe consequences for livestock, farmers' livelihoods, and the economy.
Namibia's FMD outbreak has prompted a response from the EU, which is working closely with Namibian authorities to mitigate the effects. The EU's health and food safety services are assessing the situation and potential measures to protect EU health. Before the outbreak, Namibia was the only African country with concurrent beef export access to the US, China, Norway, and the EU. In 2025, Namibia earned N$2.1 billion in foreign exchange from beef exports.
An FMD Support Fund has been established to aid Namibia's response efforts, and it has mobilised over N$1.5 million worth of biosecurity products, surveillance kits, and camping equipment. The supplies, provided by Agra, CYMOT, Agrimark, and SWAVET, have equipped 30 Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) teams deployed to the field. The DVS is conducting surveillance and testing in remote areas of the //Kharas Region, where FMD has been confirmed.
The FMD Support Fund was conceptualised in November 2025 and officially launched on 26 February 2026 by agriculture minister Inge Zaamwani. The fund brings together Namibia's four national farmers' unions, private-sector stakeholders, and government agencies. It was formally incorporated as a Section 21 company not for gain on 28 July 2026. At its launch, about N$11 million was pledged, with an initial fundraising target of N$50 million.
The fund's financial sponsors include Bank Windhoek, FirstRand Foundation, Feedmaster, Namib Mills, DAS Group, Santam, Namibia Wildlife Ranches, and Sinclair Services. The fund is seeking additional support towards its over N$50 million fundraising target for immediate FMD response needs. The current outbreak has shifted the fund's focus from preparedness to active response.
The FMD Support Fund will continue supporting the DVS while working with the Livestock and Livestock Products Board of Namibia (LLPBN), organised agriculture, and private-sector partners. The fund's efforts aim to mitigate the impact of the FMD outbreak on Namibia's livestock industry.
The European Union's assessment and the FMD Support Fund's efforts demonstrate a collaborative approach to addressing the FMD outbreak in Namibia. The situation remains a priority for both the EU and Namibian authorities, with ongoing efforts to protect animal and public health.
Key points
- The European Union is assessing Namibia's FMD outbreak to determine necessary measures to safeguard animal and public health within the EU.
- The FMD Support Fund has mobilised over N$1.5 million worth of biosecurity products, surveillance kits, and camping equipment for Namibia's FMD response.
- The fund's efforts aim to mitigate the impact of the FMD outbreak on Namibia's livestock industry, with a focus on active response and support for affected areas.
