Agribank concerned by foot and mouth disease, stands by clients

The Agricultural Bank of Namibia (Agribank) said that it is concerned by the outbreak of the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), and it stands by its clients who are affected by the disease.

On 23 September 2026, the Acting Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, Dr Charles Mubita, announced a confirmed outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) on a commercial farm in the //Kharas Region.

Following the announcement, the Ministry, through the Directorate of Veterinary Services, implemented precautionary disease-control measures, including restrictions on the movement and marketing of cloven-hoofed animals and animal products to contain the outbreak and protect the livestock industry.

“Agribank recognises that the FMD outbreak and related restrictions have far reaching implications for the livestock industry, livelihoods and the economy at large, making this a challenging time for both the Bank and its clients,” said Agribank’s CEO Mr Robert Eiman.

“Therefore, the Bank calls on all stakeholders, communities and businesses to work together and comply with the restrictions and measures introduced to help contain the outbreak and restore normal livestock farming and trading conditions.

“The Bank is deeply concerned about the impact that these restrictions may have on its clients.”

Eiman said that, however, the extent of the impact may differ across farming and Agri enterprises operations of the bank’s clients.

“Therefore, any support to be extended to our clients will not follow a one-size-fits-all approach; each request will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, considering the client’s circumstances.”

He stated that the affected clients are welcome to engage the bank on how the FMD outbreak and related restrictions may affect or have affected their operations.

The Bank will work with each client to identify appropriate repayment arrangements and support options to protect and preserve the agribusinesses, guided by the policies and procedures.

“Through open and early engagement, we can identify practical solutions that support clients as we navigate this difficult period together with a view to protecting the agriculture sector and safeguarding the Bank’s long-term sustainability.”

In the photo: An image of a cow suffering from the FMD.