Namibia’s poultry sector has recorded remarkable growth this year, reflecting the country’s increasing strides toward food self-sufficiency and reduced dependence on imports. According to the Livestock and Livestock Products Board of Namibia (LLPBN), a total of 14.4 million chickens were slaughtered locally by the end of September 2025, signaling a thriving and resilient industry that continues to expand despite economic challenges and import competition.
This impressive figure highlights the ongoing transformation of Namibia’s poultry industry into one of the country’s most dynamic agricultural subsectors. Poultry farming has steadily evolved from small backyard operations into structured commercial ventures, providing employment and improving livelihoods across regions such as Erongo, Khomas, and Otjozondjupa. The steady increase in chicken slaughter numbers also mirrors growing consumer confidence in locally produced poultry, known for its quality and freshness.
While domestic production continues to rise, Namibia remains both an exporter and an importer of poultry products. Data from LLPBN shows that 893,782 kilograms of processed chicken were exported during the first nine months of the year. This export growth demonstrates Namibia’s expanding role in the regional poultry trade, particularly within the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Zambia emerged as the leading importer of Namibian chicken, purchasing about 59.2 percent of total exports, followed by Botswana (15.2 percent), South Africa (13.1 percent), and Zimbabwe (12.4 percent). These trade figures emphasize Namibia’s growing competitiveness and reputation for high-quality poultry products.
However, the country still relies heavily on imports to meet total domestic demand. By September, Namibia had imported about 15.9 million kilograms of poultry meat, mainly from South Africa. This dependence underlines the need for further investment in local feed production, hatchery capacity, and processing infrastructure to fully close the supply gap. Encouragingly, there are signs of progress: imports of day-old chicks dropped sharply by 79.4 percent, from 62,150 in August to just 12,800 in September — all sourced from South Africa. This dramatic decline suggests that local hatcheries are becoming more efficient and capable of meeting a larger share of domestic breeding needs.
Agricultural experts attribute this steady progress to improved management practices, government support for agribusiness development, and rising private-sector investment. The growth of poultry cooperatives and training programs for farmers has also been instrumental in empowering small and medium-scale producers to boost productivity and quality.
In contrast, the sheep industry recorded a downturn, revealing the uneven performance within Namibia’s livestock sector. Only 30,242 sheep were marketed in September, representing a 31.3 percent decline compared to the same period last year. This drop highlights persistent challenges such as drought, market fluctuations, and reduced export demand that continue to weigh on other livestock segments.
Despite these challenges, Namibia’s poultry sector stands out as a symbol of progress and resilience. The impressive growth in production and regional exports demonstrates that with strategic investment, supportive policy frameworks, and farmer empowerment, Namibia can further strengthen its position as one of southern Africa’s emerging poultry hubs. The ongoing transformation not only secures food supply but also creates employment opportunities and drives rural economic growth — positioning poultry farming as a cornerstone of Namibia’s agricultural future.
