Namibia battles cattle disease outbreak as EU suspends several meat imports
Namibia is facing a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak that has led to strict livestock movement restrictions. The situation is negatively impacting local meat vendors and threatening the country's broader livestock export economy.
Why it matters
The outbreak disrupts local food security and threatens a vital sector of the Namibian economy, potentially impacting international trade relations.
Foot-and-mouth disease threatens livestock farmers’ livelihoods and disrupts meat supplies as authorities impose curbs.
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info Namibia’s foot-and-mouth disease outbreak has prompted livestock movement restrictions and disrupted access to several meat export markets [File: Hamilton Wende/Al Jazeera] By Lisa Ossenbrink Published On 14 Oct 2026 14 Oct 2026 Windhoek, Namibia – “We had to close the market for several days. It was just before the weekend and month’s end. That’s when we need the money the most,” says Francisco, a vendor at Single Quarter, Windhoek’s largest open meat market.
He pours vinegar and cooking oil into a tomato and onion salsa, a traditional accompaniment to kapana, a popular grilled-meat street food. Around him, many stalls and grilling stations sit empty. Instead of the crowds that typically fill the market during business hours, only a handful of customers move between the stalls.
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