Namibia’s cattle industry has suffered a major blow in 2025, with beef exports dropping by half in the first six months of the year. According to economic analysts, the slump has cost local farmers as much as N$800 million in lost revenue and could drag down the country’s economic growth.
Max Rix of Simonis Storm, a Namibian investment and research firm, explained that the sharp decline stems from two main factors: farmers rebuilding their herds after the devastating 2024 drought, and ongoing veterinary restrictions that have limited international trade.
“This is not just an agricultural problem; it is a macroeconomic issue,” Rix said, warning that the downturn could shave up to 1% off Namibia’s GDP if conditions do not improve in the second half of the year.
The setback comes despite Namibia’s strong track record in beef exports. In 2023, the country exported $29.1 million worth of bovine meat, ranking 37th among 123 global exporters. Beef also stood out as Namibia’s 23rd most exported product out of 1,070, underscoring its importance to the national economy.
Namibia’s beef sector has long been one of Africa’s most reputable, with exports reaching high-value markets in the European Union, the United Kingdom, and Asia. However, industry experts caution that herd rebuilding, while necessary for long-term sustainability, may continue to weigh on export volumes in the short term.
The government and farming associations are expected to explore policy measures to support cattle producers, stabilize the industry, and maintain Namibia’s reputation as one of Africa’s leading beef exporters.
