How Namibia’s poultry exports are leaving local farmers behind

ELVIS MBOYA

Namibia recorded N$49 million in poultry and poultry-product exports in August 2026. Yet locally produced products accounted for just N$100 000 of that value.

The remaining N$48.9 million came from re-exports. This raises questions about how much value local farmers capture from Namibia’s regional poultry trade.

According to the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA), imports reached N$53.4 million during the month. This left the country with a poultry trade deficit of N$4.4 million.

In his August trade report, NSA Statistician-General and chief executive officer Alex Shimuafeni explained the trade flows.

“The analysis indicates that, on the supply side, Namibia exported poultry and poultry products valued at N$49 million, with the DRC, Zambia, and Botswana serving as the main export destinations. On the demand side, the country imported poultry and poultry products worth N$53.4 million, primarily sourced from Brazil, South Africa, and the United States of America,” he said.

The composition of these exports is significant. Re-exports are products imported into Namibia and subsequently shipped to other markets. They do not originate from domestic production.

Consequently, the N$49 million export figure does not represent an equivalent contribution from Namibian poultry farmers or processors.

However, local production is not insignificant. The September 2026 Poultry and Dairy Market Watch reported that domestic poultry production increased by 9.16% to approximately 3.65 million kg in August, from 3.35 million kg in July.

This points to an important distinction. Namibia has an operating poultry production industry. Its challenge is capturing a greater share of regional export opportunities.

The commercial opportunity extends across the value chain. This includes poultry farming, hatcheries, feed production, veterinary services, slaughtering, processing, packaging and cold-chain logistics.

Feed is a major production cost. Stronger links between poultry farmers and local crop producers could improve input supply. They could also create additional markets for grain farmers.

Processing offers another investment opportunity. Modern slaughterhouses and processing facilities could help local businesses meet veterinary and food-safety standards. They could also improve access to regional markets.

The NSA identifies the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia and Botswana as Namibia’s main poultry export destinations. These markets demonstrate existing regional trade connections.

However, competing with established suppliers from Brazil and South Africa requires competitive pricing, consistent quality and reliable supply.

For investors, the opportunity lies in expanding production and processing capacity. For farmers, stronger commercial partnerships with processors and retailers could provide more predictable markets.

Policymakers also have a role. Access to affordable finance, reliable infrastructure and competitive production inputs will be essential. Support measures must also consider consumer affordability and the cost of imported inputs.

The wider merchandise trade figures underline the economic context. Namibia exported goods worth N$12.7 billion in August, against imports of N$16.6 billion. This resulted in an overall trade deficit of N$3.9 billion.

Poultry’s contribution to that deficit is relatively small. Its export composition, however, reveals a broader challenge. Trade volumes alone do not measure domestic productive capacity or value addition.

Namibia already has regional trading connections and an established local poultry industry. The next commercial challenge is to connect the two.

More investment in production, processing and distribution could help local businesses capture a greater share of regional demand. The objective should be to turn Namibia’s trading position into stronger domestic agricultural value chains, employment and export earnings.