EU-funded vehicles strengthen livestock health & open markets in the NCAs

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform and the National Planning Commission today, 18 February 2026 received nine (9) specialised livestock transport vehicles through support from the European Union to strengthen veterinary services, disease control and market access for farmers in Namibia’s Northern Communal Areas (NCAs).

The fleet comprises eight (8) Toyota Land Cruiser 79 4.2D vehicles and one (1) Hino Motors 500 Series truck, equipped with trailers and configured for Namibia’s demanding terrain. As assets of the Ministry, the vehicles will be deployed to expand field mobility for veterinary teams, enabling faster surveillance, sample collection, vaccination campaigns and the transport of essential equipment including mobile laboratories and quarantine materials.

Valued at approximately N$10 million and financed under the EU’s 11th European Development Fund, the investment directly supports Government’s efforts to enhance animal health management, safeguard national herds and strengthen compliance with sanitary and phytosanitary standards. Increased operational reach is expected to lower the risk and spread of Foot-and-Mouth Disease, improve livestock quality and create greater participation of communal farmers in formal markets.

Receiving the fleet on behalf of the Namibian Government, Hon. Ruth Masake, Deputy Minister of Agriculture said: “By strengthening mobility for our veterinary teams, these vehicles allow us to detect disease faster, respond quicker and provide consistent support to farmers. They are a direct investment in animal health, food security and better incomes for communities in the Northern Communal Areas.” Deputy Minister Masake committed to ensuring that the fleet is carefully managed and maintained so that it delivers sustained benefits to farmers and the wider agricultural sector.

On his part, NPC Director General, Dr. Kaire Mbuende welcomed the continued partnership with the European Union, noting that the collaboration demonstrates how aligned priorities and coordinated implementation can produce tangible results for communities. “This handover demonstrates how development cooperation translates into tangible results. Through strong coordination between government and our European partners, we are delivering infrastructure and tools that will improve market readiness, compliance and economic participation,” he proudly said.

EU Ambassador to Namibia, H.E. Ana Beatriz Martins said: “Today we turn partnership into action. With these vehicles, the European Union is helping Namibia raise standards, curb livestock disease and expand access to markets, ensuring that communal farmers can compete, grow and benefit from regional and international trade.”

Looking ahead, Government and the European Union will continue advancing complementary investments to unlock the full livestock potential of the Northern Communal Areas, including the development of a modern feedlot at Etunda, the upgrading of the abattoir in Opuwo and strengthened quarantine capacity at Omutambo Maowe, reinforcing a shared vision of growth, resilience and prosperity for Namibia’s farming communities.