Namibia’s Beef Value Chain Forum completes US$22.5M beef facility
Forum builds processing plant entirely from member funding
NAMIBIA – The Beef Value Chain Forum (BVCF) in Namibia is finalising a beef processing facility worth about US$22.5 million (N$430 million) after four years of work, chairman Mecki Schneider has confirmed.
The group was set up in November 2020 by livestock producers and now has 511 members who each contribute roughly US$79 (N$1 500) per year, generating around US$40,300 (N$766,500) before VAT.
These fees, together with initial donations, have financed all planning, operations and research leading up to the plant’s near completion.
Speaking at the fourth Annual General Meeting on 7 August 2025, Schneider said the facility is expected to begin beef exports in early 2026.
Management and control
BVCF retains authority over the project through an agreement with Savanna Beef Processors Ltd and Savanna Beef Operations Pty Ltd, under which the forum nominates the top executives of both companies.
Project development has been managed by a steering committee of eight elected members supported by five co-opted participants, forming a task team that has handled operational decisions.
As the operating companies have not yet earned income, the forum has carried the costs of task team work, producer events and research through its member contributions.
Research and industry engagement
Two studies have been commissioned to evaluate the carbon footprint of Namibian beef systems, and results are currently undergoing international verification.
Research with the University of Stellenbosch is also examining nutritional aspects of grass-fed and feedlot-finished beef, with final results expected by the end of August 2025.
Producer information days in Windhoek and Otjiwarongo have been used to provide updates on veterinary services, livestock marketing and slaughter cattle standards, including live demonstrations.
Next steps
Schneider said expanding membership beyond the current base is essential to secure adequate cattle supply and to safeguard producer control of the facility.
The forum also plans to broaden producer participation by increasing shareholding in Savanna Beef Processors Ltd.
With the plant nearing readiness, BVCF will move from day-to-day implementation to an oversight role, while the task team shifts to supporting farmers and procuring cattle for the new facility.
Although the forum has yet to generate operational revenue, Schneider urged members to focus on recruiting more producers, warning that wider participation is necessary for the long-term stability of the project.
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