Namibia’s Meatco revenue falls to US$46.2M as cattle supply drops
Company reported a profit despite a sharp reduction in throughput
NAMIBIA – Namibia’s Meat Corporation of Namibia (Meatco) recorded a revenue decline of about US$46.2 million (N$757 million) during the 2025/26 financial year after a shortage of cattle reduced slaughter volumes across its operations.
According to the company’s audited financial statements released on 26 July, revenue fell to US$67.6 million (N$1.108 billion) from US$113.9 million (N$1.865 billion) a year earlier as livestock availability tightened across the sector.
The latest figures follow a period of financial challenges for the state-owned meat processor, which posted an operating loss of US$15.8 million (N$258.1 million) two years ago.
Meanwhile, Meatco had reported a net loss of US$4.1 million (N$67 million) for the year ended 31 January 2024, compared with a loss of US$7.2 million (N$118 million) in the preceding financial year.
Interim chief executive Albertus Aochamub said the financial results reflected the effect of lower cattle numbers on revenue while also showing improvements in the company’s financial position.
The number of cattle processed south of the veterinary cordon fence dropped 53% to 35,594 head from 75,268 head recorded in the previous period, resulting in significantly lower production volumes.
Despite the decline in throughput, Meatco reported a profit after tax of US$2.5 million (N$40.5 million) for the year under review.
Profit Recorded Despite Industry Challenges
Aochamub said the company remained profitable even after processing 53% fewer cattle and generated positive cash flows during the period.
Cash generated from operations reached US$4.5 million (N$73.5 million), while cash reserves increased to US$7.8 million (N$128.3 million) from US$5.3 million (N$86.2 million).
At the same time, producers’ equity rose to US$42.8 million (N$701.3 million) from US$34.7 million (N$568.3 million), while accumulated losses were reduced by more than US$2.4 million (N$40 million).
Meatco attributed the outcome to cost management measures, operational changes and the implementation of its turnaround programme, which helped the company remain profitable despite difficult trading conditions.
Deputy chairperson Stephanie de Klerk said the shortage of slaughter cattle affected the wider livestock industry and was beyond the company’s control, adding that Meatco continued implementing reforms aimed at improving the long-term sustainability of the business.
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