Republican Party member of parliament Mathias Mbundu has called on the Namibian government to allocate N$10 million to support kapana vendors and informal meat traders affected by the recent foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak. The proposed fund aims to provide temporary financial assistance to eligible traders whose livelihoods have been impacted by the outbreak and associated restrictions. Mbundu made the proposal during his contribution to the 2026/27 mid-year budget review in the National Assembly.
The FMD outbreak, detected in Namibia last month, has disrupted meat supplies and affected traders who rely on daily sales to support their families. Restrictions introduced to contain the disease have had a significant impact on informal meat traders, many of whom use sales to buy food, pay rent, and support their children. Mbundu emphasized the need for the government to balance protection of the livestock industry with consideration for the financial impact on informal meat traders.
Mbundu's proposal involves establishing a once-off kapana and informal meat traders relief fund to provide financial assistance to eligible traders. He suggests that the Ministry of Finance work with other ministries and local authorities to identify affected traders, assess their financial losses, and determine the level of assistance needed. A simple application process would be introduced to ensure that qualifying traders can access the fund.
The proposed fund would help traders cover household expenses and keep their businesses operating during the outbreak. Mbundu has asked Finance Minister Ericah Shafudah to consider including the N$10 million fund in the current budget adjustments or explore alternative financing options. This move comes after Shafudah allocated an additional N$179 million to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform to contain the FMD outbreak.
The additional funding for the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform was made possible by cutting spending limits across all ministries and government agencies by 2%. During her presentation of the mid-year budget review, Shafudah explained that the government had raised the funds through these cuts. Mbundu's proposal aims to provide targeted support to informal meat traders, who are among the most vulnerable to the economic impacts of the FMD outbreak.
The FMD outbreak has significant implications for Namibia's livestock industry and informal traders who depend on it. The proposed relief fund is a response to the urgent need for support among affected communities. By providing temporary financial assistance, the fund aims to help traders recover and adapt to the challenges posed by the outbreak.
Mbundu's proposal will be considered as part of the 2026/27 mid-year budget review process. The government's response to the FMD outbreak and its impacts on informal traders will be closely watched by stakeholders and communities affected by the disease.
Key points
- Namibian MP Mathias Mbundu proposes a N$10 million relief fund for kapana traders impacted by the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.
- The proposed fund aims to provide temporary financial assistance to eligible traders whose livelihoods have been impacted by the outbreak and associated restrictions.
- The FMD outbreak has disrupted meat supplies and affected traders who rely on daily sales to support their families.
