Middle East offers new opportunities for meat exports

The Middle East may offer exciting opportunities for Namibia to expand its export markets for meat and meat products, especially from the northern communal areas. This after the agriculture ministry last month embarked on a trade marketing mission to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar.According to the Namibia Agriculture Union (NAU), the mission’s efforts offer possibilities for expanding Namibia’s high quality meat exports, attracting investment and creating more jobs in the country’s livestock industry. The UAE emerged as an appealing market for Namibian meat, it said. “However, the Dubai chamber advised Namibia to be careful while selecting meat importers there.”In the Middle East, Kuwait consumes the most meat, followed by Saudi Arabia, while the UAE prefers bone-in lamb and goat over beef, the union said.“Interestingly, the UAE used to import 80% of its meat from Sudan, but due to the political instability there, Namibia now has an opportunity to fill the gap. Qatar has the same problem.” Halal certificationDuring discussions, the team learnt that clientele in Qatar demand high standard packaging and that the highest meat consumer in that country is the army, which consumes approximately 40 tonnes of lamb per month. The NAU, however, stressed the importance of Halal certification in order to export meat to majority Muslim countries.Halal certification ensures that the meat adheres to Islamic dietary laws, making it acceptable for consumption.According to the union, the Halal Trade and Marketing Centre provided valuable guidance on the certification process. Namibia was urged to speed up the process to meet the requirements of the UAE and Qatari markets. “These countries have strict standards for Halal certification, so obtaining it is vital for Namibia to access these markets.”Alternative optionsAccording to the union, one of the challenges Namibia faces is that it does not have a Halal certifying body that is recognised by Gulf countries.“This means Namibia has to explore alternative options, such as using South African halal certifying bodies that are accepted in the Gulf region. While this can facilitate initial exports, Namibia should work towards establishing its own recognised Halal certifying body in the long run,” it said.With Halal certification, Namibian producers can assure Gulf region consumers that their meat products meet Islamic dietary laws. This will boost the attractiveness of Namibian meat in these markets and enhance its reputation as a high-quality product, making it more competitive globally.

Middle East offers new opportunities for meat exports

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Namibian Sun 2025-09-18

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Middle East offers new opportunities for meat exports

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Namibian Sun 2025-09-18

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