In light of the serious outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in neighbouring South Africa, as well as indications that the disease has already spread across the border to Botswana, Namibia is doing everything in its power to prevent this devastating virus from entering its borders.

Namibia will require an estimated N$1,5 billion to protect its livestock industry from the growing threat of FMD, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform Minister Inge Zaamwani has told Parliament. The projected amount is over and above the N$57,5 million already approved by Cabinet for immediate prevention and preparedness measures.

The funding is considered critical to defend a livestock sector valued at approximately N$15 billion and to preserve Namibia’s hard-won access to lucrative international export markets. With outbreaks intensifying in neighbouring countries, the government has warned that the risk to Namibia has reached unprecedented levels. Speaking in the National Assembly earlier this week, Zaamwani said preliminary assessments show that a substantial financial injection is necessary to scale up surveillance, biosecurity and emergency response systems.

She also said these funds are necessary “in order to adequately protect a livestock sector valued at N$15 billion” and “to preserve the country’s vital market access”.

Rising regional threat

The call for additional funding comes amid escalating outbreaks of FMD across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. South Africa, the continent’s largest beef producer, continues to battle widespread infections, with eight of its nine provinces reportedly affected. Vaccine shortages and the uncontrolled movement of animals have contributed to the rapid spread of the highly contagious disease.

The most recent concern is a confirmed case detected on 8 February in Kuruman in South Africa’s Northern Cape, about 400 km from Namibia’s southern border. The Northern Cape shares a boundary with Namibia’s //Kharas and Hardap regions, bringing the outbreak dangerously close to key livestock production areas.

Botswana has also reported an outbreak within Zone 6b, an area previously recognised as FMD-free. The development further heightens regional vulnerability and complicates disease-control efforts. “These developments substantially heighten the regional risk profile and present an immediate and significant threat to Namibia,” Zaamwani said. “The recent foot-and-mouth disease notification in Botswana’s FMD-free zone, coupled with continued outbreaks in South Africa, clearly demonstrates that Namibia is currently surrounded by elevated and unprecedented levels of FMD risk.”

Since 2019, recurring FMD outbreaks have been recorded in the region, particularly in South Africa, which lost its FMD-free status as recognised by the World Organisation for Animal Health. Namibia, however, remains officially recognised as FMD-free, a status that underpins the country’s meat export industry and broader agricultural economy.

Economic stakes are high

Livestock farming contributes roughly two-thirds of Namibia’s agricultural output, while beef exports represent the largest share of the country’s agricultural shipments. The sector supports thousands of farmers, workers, transporters and related businesses across the value chain.

Zaamwani warned that any introduction of FMD into Namibia would trigger immediate trade restrictions and potentially long-term exclusion from international markets.

“Any introduction of the foot-and-mouth disease virus into Namibia would have severe economic ramifications, including the immediate imposition of trade restrictions and long-term disruptions to international markets,” she said.

Such restrictions would not only affect export revenues but could also undermine employment, rural livelihoods, food security and national economic stability. In South Africa, cancelled livestock auctions and movement restrictions have already caused supply disruptions and pushed meat prices to their highest growth rate in eight years.

Namibia experienced its own outbreaks in 2021 and again in October 2022, primarily in the northern regions, including the Zambezi Region. Those incidents underscored the vulnerability of the livestock sector and the significant costs associated with disease containment and recovery.

Strengthening border controls and surveillance

In response to the growing threat, the government has implemented a range of preventative and risk mitigation measures. Imports of cloven-hoofed animals and related animal products from affected areas have been suspended or placed under strict control, particularly from establishments that are not export-approved. Border security has been intensified, with veterinary personnel deployed to both major and minor border posts.

Currently, 23 Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) officials are permanently stationed at border points, while 29 additional officers have been mobilised to reinforce frontline operations. Of these, 16 were deployed through the Livestock and Livestock Products Board of Namibia and 13 were seconded from other offices. Plans are underway to deploy a further 28 officials.

Vehicle inspections have been stepped up at all border crossings to prevent the illegal transportation of high-risk animal products. Border patrols have been increased – and inspections at farms situated near border areas have become more frequent.

The ministry is also working with the Roads Authority and the Livestock and Livestock Products Board to identify sites for disinfection facilities and drive-through washing bays at strategic border posts, including Noordoewer and Ariamsvlei.

Permanent incineration facilities are planned to safely dispose of confiscated animal products. Further measures include the establishment of disease-control and buffer zones, as well as tighter monitoring of livestock movements in high-risk areas.

Expanding preparedness and vaccine capacity

A significant portion of the proposed N$1,5 billion investment would go toward enhancing Namibia’s long-term preparedness and response capabilities. This includes strengthening laboratory capacity, expanding surveillance systems and improving rapid response mechanisms in the event of an outbreak.

The ministry also plans to establish a national FMD vaccine storage facility. Such a facility would ensure quicker access to vaccines during emergencies, particularly in high-risk southern regions such as //Kharas and Hardap.
In addition, the DVS continues to issue public notifications and conduct awareness campaigns in collaboration with livestock industry stakeholders. These campaigns aim to educate farmers and transporters about movement restrictions, reporting protocols and biosecurity measures.

The ministry is engaging the Namibian Defence Force and the Namibian Police Force through their respective oversight ministries to enhance coordinated enforcement of disease-control regulations. Future prevention strategies may also include rezoning and further strengthening of biosecurity systems to minimise the risk of transboundary transmission through both formal and informal livestock movements.

Industry collaboration and emergency fund

Recognising the scale of the threat, the livestock industry and financial institutions are working to mobilise an emergency FMD fund to complement the government’s efforts. The initiative reflects a shared understanding that safeguarding Namibia’s FMD-free status requires a coordinated national response.

Zaamwani emphasised the importance of protecting this status. “Safeguarding Namibia’s FMD-free status is not merely a veterinary imperative; it is a fundamental national priority that protects our economy, our farmers, and access to international markets,” she said.

She called on farmers, traders, transporters and the general public to comply fully with disease-control measures, warning that negligence or illegal animal movements could undermine national efforts.

Race against time

With FMD outbreaks edging closer to Namibia’s borders, authorities face mounting pressure to act decisively. The N$57,5 million provides initial support for urgent interventions, but officials argue that far greater investment is required to secure the country’s livestock industry against sustained regional risk.

The proposed N$1,5 billion would fund expanded surveillance, strengthened border infrastructure, improved vaccine access and enhanced emergency response systems, which are all aimed at preventing a single outbreak that could cost the economy billions.

As regional outbreaks continue and cross-border livestock movements remain a persistent challenge, Namibia’s strategy hinges on vigilance, coordination and adequate funding. The stakes are clear: maintaining FMD-free status is essential to protecting a N$15 billion industry and preserving the country’s position in global meat markets.

For now, Namibia remains officially FMD-free. But with neighbouring countries grappling with widespread infections, the government has made it clear that prevention – though costly – is far less expensive than the economic fallout of an outbreak.

Source references

Namibia needs N$1.5 billion to protect N$15bn livestock sector from FMD threat (2026) https://epaper.thebrief24.com/2026/February%202026/The-Brief-11-February-2026.pdf

Shipena, J. (2026) Govt seeks N$1.5 billion to keep FMD out Windhoek Observer
https://www.observer24.com.na/govt-seeks-n1-5-billion-to-keep-fmd-out/

Monteira, A., Nhongo, K. (2026) Namibia needs more funds to combat FMD outbreak in livestock Bloomberg
https://www.moneyweb.co.za/news/africa/namibia-needs-more-funds-to-combat-fmd-outbreak-in-livestock/