MP asks for N$10m for kapana traders

Republican Party MP Mathias Mbundu has asked the government to allocate N$10 million to assist kapana vendors and informal meat traders affected by the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak. Restrictions implemented to control the disease have disrupted meat supplies, impacting traders who rely on daily sales. Mbundu made this proposal during the 2026/27 mid-year budget review in the National Assembly.

Mbundu stated that the government must protect the livestock industry while also considering the financial impact on informal meat traders. He explained that many vendors depend on meat sales for essential needs like food, rent, and supporting their children. He requested that the Ministry of Finance, in collaboration with other ministries and local authorities, establish a once-off relief fund to provide temporary financial aid to eligible traders.

The proposed fund aims to help qualifying traders cover household expenses and maintain their businesses during the outbreak. Mbundu urged Finance Minister Ericah Shafudah to consider this N$10 million fund within the current budget adjustments or find alternative financing. Last week, Shafudah allocated an additional N$179 million to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform to manage the FMD outbreak.

Why it mattersInformal meat traders in Namibia face financial hardship due to restrictions imposed to control a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.

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