Zimbabwe wants Namibian beef

DIVUNDU – Zimbabwe is looking at importing beef from Namibia as part of the memorandums of understanding (MOUs) signed between the two countries to promote economic growth and sustainable development.

In July this year, Namibia and Zimbabwe signed seven MOUs in priority areas such as trade, small and medium enterprises, energy, information communication technologies, legal and diplomatic consultations, and media and broadcasting. Zimbabwe expressed interest in local beef, while Namibia requested fruit and vegetables.

“We already have an MoU which we signed during the state visit of our president, and Namibia previously requested Zimbabwe to supply vegetables and fruits. Zimbabwe also wants to buy meat and we are just waiting for the implementation because the MoU is already there,” Rofina Chikava, the ambassador of Zimbabwe to Namibia, said at the weekend.

Chikava said hopefully there will be movement in these goods by year-end.

Zimbabwe’s cattle stock is depleting and the country needs to import beef. This will also help Namibia to dispose of its animals as a drought mitigation factor for livestock farmers, she said.

“You might hear very soon that the ministry responsible for implementation will be in Namibia to agree on the implementation programme,” Chikava said. - Nampa