Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) has become one of the most serious economic threats Namibia has faced in decades, with an estimated N$151 million in livestock sales at risk every week. The outbreak, confirmed in the Karasburg district on 23 September, is the first in Namibia's export zone in more than 60 years. This has significant implications for the country's agricultural sector and economy.
The Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU) estimates that value-chain losses amount to N$13 million a day, or N$2.4 billion over six months, with around 52 000 agricultural jobs south of the Cordon Fence, supporting about 200 000 dependents, on the line. NAU President Thinus Pretorius emphasized that the longer the markets stay closed, the more this becomes a question of jobs and households, not just farms.
The export blow is equally severe, with 94% of Namibia's 2025 beef exports going to European markets that require FMD freedom. As a result, access to the EU and Norway has been suspended. Pretorius cautioned that FMD-free status is the starting point, not the finish line, as each importing country decides when to buy again. Alternative markets pay roughly N$113-138 per kilogram, against about N$219 for fresh boneless beef in Europe.
The NAU's way forward involves three tracks: keeping trade moving at home under strict veterinary supervision, opening alternative markets now, and regaining FMD freedom without vaccination. Government has reopened markets, and industry is working to win them back. As of 27 October, 131 positive samples had been recorded on 18 infected farms in //Kharas, and vaccination efforts were underway.
By 27 October, 8 102 of 13 000 cattle had been vaccinated in //Kharas, and 53 913 of 56 360 in the Zambezi Region, where a separate outbreak was confirmed on 6 October. Controlled direct slaughter has resumed, with 1 344 cattle slaughtered at registered abattoirs. The ministry of agriculture, fisheries, water and land reform has opened talks with new markets, including Tunisia, Morocco, and Nigeria.
The Directorate of Veterinary Services' plan to regain free status includes a new disease control fence construction targeted for November 2026. Bank Windhoek's managing director, James Chapman, emphasized that agriculture is the backbone of rural Namibia, and Foot-and-Mouth Disease is testing how well the nation stands together. He welcomed the newly released Bid-42 by the Bank of Namibia as a timely intervention to support the agriculture sector.
The Bank Windhoek Agricultural Series, which included speakers such as Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Kenneth Shoombe and NAU President Thinus Pretorius, highlighted the need for a united response to Foot-and-Mouth Disease. The series aimed to bring together stakeholders to discuss the challenges and find solutions to mitigate the impact of FMD on Namibia's livestock industry.
Key points
- N$151 million in livestock sales are at risk every week due to FMD.
- 52 000 agricultural jobs are on the line due to the outbreak.
- The Directorate of Veterinary Services plans to construct a new disease control fence by November 2026.
