Namibia’s Meatco fulfills Norway beef export quota, achieves top global safety rating
NAMIBIA – Namibia’s Meat Corporation (Meatco) has completed its 2025 beef export obligations to Norway, reaching the full 1,200-tonne quota under the European Free Trade Area (EFTA) arrangement.
The final shipment, which left the country last Wednesday, concluded Namibia’s allocation to one of its most profitable export markets.
According to Meatco, Norway remains a key destination, accounting for more than 20% of the company’s annual revenue.
Under the EFTA agreement between the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) and Norway, Namibia exports high-grade beef to the European market duty-free.
To meet this year’s target, Meatco dispatched 45 consignments totaling 1,153.5 tonnes in line with Norway’s quota conversion guidelines.
Interim chief executive officer Albertus Aochamub said the milestone reflects both the company’s operational stability and Namibia’s reputation for premium-quality beef.
He added that Norway continues to serve as a central part of Meatco’s export plan and remains a reliable market for the country’s producers.
Despite the positive outcome in the Norwegian market, Namibia’s overall beef exports declined sharply in the second quarter of 2025, dropping by nearly half compared to the same period in 2024, according to data from the Livestock and Livestock Products Board of Namibia (LLPBN).
The European Union retained its position as Namibia’s main export destination, receiving about 82.6% of total shipments, while Norway accounted for 10.8% and China 2.4%, with smaller volumes sent to South Africa, Botswana, and Angola.
Meatco Factory Receives Top Food Safety Rating
In a separate development, Meatco announced that its Windhoek processing plant earned an A+ rating in an unannounced audit by the British Retail Consortium Global Standard (BRCGS), the highest grade awarded for global food safety compliance.
The assessment found strong leadership in food safety management, a comprehensive Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) system, full traceability within three to four hours, and no product recalls over the past year.
The facility also met the requirements of Namibian, European Union, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and South African regulations.
Aochamub described the result as confirmation of the company’s adherence to global standards and credited employees and producers for maintaining consistent quality control.
Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.
