Namibia mobilises N$369 million for FMD outbreak
Finance Minister Ericah Shafudah announced the funding, reallocated from government expenditure ceilings, to contain the disease.
Namibia has mobilised N$369 million to combat a foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak, with N$179 million reallocated from government expenditure ceilings to the agriculture ministry. Finance Minister Ericah Shafudah announced the funding on Thursday during the 2026/27 Mid-Year Budget Review, as authorities intensify vaccination and surveillance in the //Kharas and Zambezi regions. This intervention comes after a N$1.5 billion downward revision in government revenue projections and a weaker economic outlook.
The FMD outbreak, first confirmed on September 23, 2026, has led to livestock movement restrictions, raising concerns for agricultural production and rural livelihoods. Veterinarians have vaccinated 42,286 cattle across 34 crush pens in affected areas. In the //Kharas Region, 131 FMD cases have been confirmed across 18 farms, with movement restrictions and vaccination measures remaining in force.
Economists warn that FMD, drought, and rising fuel prices pose significant risks, potentially increasing government borrowing and reducing public spending. Economist Almandro Jansen estimates government revenue could fall by N$2.1 billion, widening the budget deficit to 6.5% of GDP. Rising grain prices and the prospect of poor rainfall could also push up food inflation.
Why it mattersNamibian farmers face increased costs and restrictions due to the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak and potential drought conditions.