African nations are very wealthy in natural and potential agricultural resources, but are often poorly exploited because of systematic corruption or a lack of safety controls that make their potential exports not able to be safely used or consumed by the public. However, with a little help and growth, there is the possibility for Africa to become a world power house. It is, after all, why the French are so protective of their currency domination over the West and Central African Franc, because without it, they would lose all of their power and influence as a nation.
Namibia, a former German territory which is still largely influenced by the less than 1% of ethnic Germans who live there, is one of these nations that holds great potential. Noting this, it is of interest that Namibia has become the first African country to export red meat to the US market.
Namibia has become the first African country to export red meat to the United States, following nearly two decades of negotiations.
The state-owned meat firm Meatco sent a shipment of 25 tonnes of beef to Philadelphia on Wednesday, and the Southern African nation is set to export 860 tonnes of various beef cuts in 2020 to the United States, rising to 5,000 tonnes by 2025.
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In 2019, Namibia exported about 12,400 metric tonnes of meat to Norway, Britain, the European Union and Chinese markets.
Agriculture contributes about 5% to Namibia’s economy but farming including cattle raising contributes to nearly two-thirds of the population’s income. (source)
Namibia is very close to South Africa, and there has been talk of political troubles similar to those taking place in south Africa. Yet at the same time, economic news such as this represents a positive development for the southern African nation.
It will be interesting to see if this is a one-time event, or if this leads to future trade developments between the US and Namibia, and given her historical relationship with Germany, to see what potential this may hold for political ambitions or changes in the region, as her real wealth is not in meat, but in rare earth minerals, gold, and other precious commodities that make modern life possible.
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