NAMIBIA – Namibia is exploring opportunities to secure Halal certification for its meat products to penetrate the lucrative Middle Eastern market as European market access becomes increasingly restricted due to new regulations.
Emma Haiyambo, the director of research and financial sector development at the Bank of Namibia, shared these insights during the 25th Annual Bank of Namibia Symposium in Windhoek.
The event focused on how Namibia’s agricultural sector can drive inclusive development through enhanced value chains.
Haiyambo pointed out that one of the key barriers preventing Namibia’s agricultural products, particularly meat, from entering global markets is the absence of Halal certification.
This is especially relevant for the Middle East, where Halal certification is mandatory for meat imports.
Halal certification guarantees that the meat production processes meet Islamic dietary requirements, making it permissible for Muslim consumers.
Any meat or meat by-products deemed haram (forbidden) are ineligible for certification.
For instance, animals must be slaughtered per Islamic law (Zabihah) for the meat to be considered Halal.
Previous trade missions to the United Arab Emirates and Qatar highlighted the importance of Halal certification for Namibia’s meat exports, where demand for certified products remains high.
“Our meat is world-renowned, and there’s global demand, but we need to make it accessible to all markets. Halal certification is a key priority moving forward,” Haiyambo emphasised.
However, securing a foothold in the global food market comes with its own set of challenges. Haiyambo acknowledged several hurdles faced by Namibian agriculture, including limited market access for northern farmers, high transportation costs exacerbated by geographical distance, and a need for robust external branding initiatives.
This move to seek halal certification comes as the Middle East’s red meat market, valued at an estimated US$14 billion in 2024, is projected to reach US$15.69 billion by 2029, growing at an annual rate of 2.31%.
Between 2017 and 2022, the region’s red meat consumption increased by over 20%, driven by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, which import significant quantities of meat due to a growing, affluent population.
Saudi Arabia accounted for the largest share of this market and saw a 17.36% rise in red meat consumption between 2017 and 2022, fueled by higher disposable incomes and increased domestic production.
Oman is expected to be the region’s second-fastest-growing red meat consumer over the next five years, with a projected annual growth rate of 2.23%.
Government initiatives to support local production and reduce reliance on imports contribute to this expansion.
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