Maranatha Poultry, a prominent player in Namibia’s poultry sector, has announced a groundbreaking US$13.7 million expansion plan, aimed at more than doubling its current production capacity. The move underscores the company’s confidence in both the domestic and regional poultry markets and highlights Namibia’s potential to strengthen its local food security while expanding export opportunities. This expansion is set to transform the company’s operational scale and further cement its position as a key supplier in southern Africa.
Currently, Maranatha produces approximately 200 to 250 tonnes of poultry per month, primarily serving the domestic market. With the planned upgrades, the company aims to increase monthly production to over 800 tonnes, a feat that will allow it to meet growing demand from retailers, wholesalers, and institutional buyers. The ambitious programme covers all aspects of production, from the hatchery to the abattoir, processing facilities, and farm operations. Construction and modernization of these facilities are expected to conclude by 2026, creating a more efficient, high-output operation.
The company’s Managing Director, Shaun Esterhuizen, emphasized that a phased approach is crucial to achieving sustainable growth. “Our first priority is to expand and modernize the hatchery to ensure a steady supply of healthy chicks. Once the foundation is solid, we can scale up our abattoir and processing facilities to handle larger volumes without compromising quality,” Esterhuizen explained. This meticulous strategy is designed to minimize operational risks while synchronizing production with market requirements.
In addition to physical expansion, Maranatha is investing in transportation and logistics infrastructure, a move that will facilitate timely delivery of poultry products across Namibia’s vast and often challenging terrain. Strengthening supply chain efficiency is a critical component of the plan, ensuring that increased production translates directly into improved market availability and customer satisfaction.
Maranatha already plays a significant role in Namibia’s poultry industry, employing over 120 staff and sourcing much of its supply from local farmers in Stampriet. The expansion is expected to generate new employment opportunities and bolster livelihoods in the surrounding agricultural communities. Furthermore, the company is exploring avenues to extend its reach beyond Namibia, with potential export partnerships in neighbouring countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo, thereby contributing to regional food security and trade.
Namibia’s poultry industry has been experiencing notable growth, with approximately 14.4 million chickens slaughtered by September 2025, reflecting rising consumer demand and commercial activity. While local production is increasing, Namibia still imports nearly 15.9 million kilograms of poultry, mostly from South Africa, indicating a persistent gap between supply and demand. The expansion by Maranatha is therefore a strategic step toward reducing import dependence and strengthening the country’s self-sufficiency in poultry production.
Exports are also on the rise, with processed poultry products worth around US$2.2 million being shipped to regional markets. By scaling up production, Maranatha is positioned to play a larger role in these trade flows, enhancing Namibia’s reputation as a reliable supplier in the southern African market.
Maranatha Poultry’s US$13.7 million expansion represents a transformative development for the company and Namibia’s poultry sector. By increasing production capacity, modernizing infrastructure, and improving supply chain efficiency, Maranatha is poised to meet domestic demand, reduce reliance on imports, create employment, and strengthen regional trade. This ambitious initiative not only promises to elevate the company’s market position but also contributes significantly to the broader goal of sustainable growth and food security in southern Africa.
