Tönnies Group eyes Namibian expansion
In a strategic move to expand its global footprint, the Tönnies Group, a leading European meat processing conglomerate, is setting its sights on Namibia. Clemence Tönnies, the owner of the international food-processing powerhouse, recently met with Namibian President Hage Geingob to discuss the establishment of a specialized pork and beef processing facility in the nation.
During their meeting at the State House, President Geingob emphasized the importance of value addition and addressing the pressing issue of youth unemployment in Namibia. "Our nation’s beef supply has its constraints, and we’re working to streamline it for exports. Collaborations like this can be a win-win. However, our youth unemployment is a significant concern. We need investors who can contribute positively to this challenge", Geingob remarked.
Highlighting the social implications of unemployment, President Geingob noted, "Joblessness can lead individuals down a path of malevolence". The German magnate assured the President of the company’s commitment to local value addition and generating employment opportunities for the youth.
In related news, Meatco, Namibia’s state-owned meat entity, underscored the importance of market development. CEO Mwilima Mushokabanji revealed in their 2022/23 annual report that Meatco has made significant strides, exporting beef to emerging markets like China and the USA. A pivotal focus for the company is integrating the Northern Communal Areas (NCAs) into the broader market. "Farmers from the NCAs have historically been sidelined from niche markets. However, with our robust market strategy, we’ve integrated NCAs into the Namibian economy", Mushokabanji stated. He also highlighted the success of the Katima Mulilo abattoir in exporting beef to countries like Ghana, Angola, and the DRC.
With Meatco nearing final discussions to tap into the Middle East market, the future looks promising for Namibian beef producers, especially those in the NCAs. This aligns with Meatco’s mission of inclusivity, ensuring all producers, regardless of their location in Namibia, have access to global markets.
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