Arabfields, Sana Dib, Financial Correspondent, Johannesburg, South Africa — Namibia’s livestock industry is entering the second half of 2026 on stronger footing, with rising exports, firmer producer prices and growing demand for beef and sheep products giving farmers renewed confidence.

The latest figures show a broad improvement across much of the sector. During the first half of 2026, live cattle exports reached 39,083 head, up 47.4 percent from the same period last year. Beef exports were even stronger, climbing 52.7 percent to more than 8.34 million kilograms.

For farmers, the numbers are beginning to translate into better market conditions. Weaner prices averaged N$31.96 per kilogram during the period, an increase of 7.6 percent from 2025. The combination of stronger prices and access to export markets has encouraged more producers to bring animals to market.

The momentum is also visible in Namibia’s sheep industry. Sheep marketing increased 39.8 percent in the first half of 2026 to 447,299 head, while slaughter at export-approved abattoirs rose 37.9 percent. Live sheep exports also showed strong regional demand, increasing 58.1 percent year on year in June.

Behind these figures is a livestock economy becoming increasingly dependent on trade beyond Namibia’s domestic market. South Africa remains the dominant destination for live sheep, accounting for 97.7 percent of recorded exports. At the same time, demand from Europe is helping Namibia expand its international customer base. Lamb and mutton exports rose 60.5 percent during the first half of the year, reaching 346,109 kilograms, with South Africa, Norway, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands among the main destinations.

The sharp rise in hides and processed leather exports points to another change in the sector. Exports reached 924,769 kilograms, almost double the volume recorded a year earlier. The increase suggests that more value is being extracted from livestock beyond the sale of meat and live animals.

Not every part of the industry is benefiting equally. Goat marketing fell 12.8 percent to 47,286 head, while slaughter at registered goat abattoirs dropped by more than three quarters. The dairy industry is also facing weaker domestic production and greater reliance on imports, highlighting the uneven nature of the recovery.

Still, the overall direction is encouraging. If the export growth recorded during the first half of 2026 is sustained, Namibia could finish the year with substantially higher volumes of beef, sheep products and livestock moving through international markets. Continued access to premium destinations, combined with competitive producer prices, could support further investment in processing and improve the prospects for farmers in the coming years.

The challenge will be maintaining that momentum without allowing Namibia’s livestock trade to become overly dependent on a small number of markets. Expanding destinations, strengthening domestic processing and improving the performance of weaker segments such as goats and dairy will be important if the current export boom is to develop into longer-term growth.

For producers watching prices and demand closely, the first half of 2026 has provided a welcome signal. Namibia’s livestock industry is not growing uniformly, but its strongest segments are showing that competitive markets and expanding exports can create room for a broader recovery.