By: Nghiinomenwa-vali Hangala
From January to February 2026, cattle producers have supplied 30,960 head of cattle for slaughtering and live export, show statistics by the Livestock and Livestock Products Board.
On a month-on-month basis, cattle marketing rose sharply by 59.6%, increasing from 11,925 head in January 2026 to 19,035 head in February 2026.
Year-on-year, total cattle slaughter rose by 11.7% to 12,988 head, underscoring improved herd availability and stronger producer confidence amid favourable market conditions, the Board noted.
During February 2026, export abattoirs absorbed 55.4% of total marketed animals/cattle, followed by live exports at 31.8%, and domestic abattoirs at 12.8%.
Live exports (weaners) increased by 34.1% year-on-year to 6,047 heads of the total animals marketed in February 2026.
South Africa remained the principal market, absorbing 100% of total live exports, reflecting robust demand from South African feedlots.
In February 2026, beef exports reached 1.1 million kilograms (kg), marking a sharp rise from the 491,171 kg recorded in February 2025.
The Board’s statistics revealed that this year-on-year growth reflects a substantial expansion in trade volumes, with consignments directed to key destinations including the European Union, Norway, Greece, South Africa, and Lesotho.
In the same review period, the country has also exported 193,106 hides and processed leather to South Africa and United Kingdom.
Year-to-date, total leather exports reached 236,969kg, marking a 41.0% increase compared to the corresponding period in 2025.
Namibia’s livestock and livestock products sector showed broadly positive trends in February 2026.
The Board’s analysis indicated that the cattle industry’s modest growth was supported by higher slaughtering and increased live exports to South Africa, underpinned by firm carcass and competitive weaner prices.
The rest of the industry, such as sheep marketing, surged on the back of strong live exports and higher throughput at export abattoirs, with mutton/lamb exports recording higher volumes to South Africa and Norway.
Pig marketing rose slightly, while pork imports declined, led by reduced volumes from Spain and Germany.
Poultry marketing expanded year-to-date, though imports surged with Poland and Brazil as key suppliers, and egg marketing posted robust growth despite monthly declines.
As for the dairy sector, it contracted in domestic milk production, but was offset by higher imports, primarily from South Africa.
erastus@thevillager.com.na
