Ekwatho Financing Scheme was launched in August 2008 and is derived from the Oshiwambo word meaning “help / support.” The primary objective of Ekwatho is to address the large number of weaners that leave the country on the hoof annually and to increase throughput at Meatco’s abattoirs, especially in the off-season.
Ekwatho also aims to create a large local market for weaners and address the problem of over and under utilization of farmland. This will encourage and improve commercial production and value addition to Namibian beef for the export market.
What can be financed?
Purchase of weaners or stores (own or 3rd party)
Transport of cattle to the farm and to the abattoirs
Nutritional needs of cattle
Veterinary needs of cattle
Who does the financing?
Local Commercial Banks as well as the Agricultural Bank of Namibia provide financial assistance to the producer. This allows producers to keep their weaners instead of having to sell them for short-term cash solutions.
What are the requirements?
In order to qualify under the Ekwatho Scheme, producers should:
be registered with the Meat Board of Namibia and should possess a FANmeat number
not have been found guilty of elements of dishonesty
have the necessary infrastructure required to raise weaners as slaughter cattle
have good farming management practices
have grazing available
be able to implement good veterinary and animal nutritional practices
have high-quality genetic stock
How does the financing application process work?
Meatco pre-approves the applicant based on pre-set criteria.
The application is then sent to a Bank of the applicants’ choice for credit approval.
Upon approval by the Bank, Meatco and the applicant agree upon a viable production model, a participation agreement is then signed between the two parties.
The participation agreement stipulates Meatco’s guaranteed minimum price schedule to the producer as well as a summary of the proposed production model. In turn, it commits the participant to deliver 98% of the specified number of cattle at one of Meatco’s abattoirs.
Meatco will then forward the participation agreement to the preferred bank and they will inform the applicant whether the application was successful.
What is expected of you?
After financing has been approved by the bank, the producer will have 60 days to source the number of specified project cattle and communicate their FANmeat numbers to Meatco and the relevant bank.
Producers should be present, prepared for and assist Meatco during follow-up farm visits.
Costs not accounted for during the application process will have to be financed by the producer.
How does Meatco help?
·Meatco provide producers with technical assistance to rear and finish slaughter cattle in a cost-effective manner. (Whilst the Banks provide financial backing.
Meatco guarantees the producer a minimum future price upon delivery of at least 98% of the specified number of cattle at one of Meatco’s abattoirs.
·Meatco transfers farming skills through training and information days.
Where can I apply?
Application forms and further information can be obtained from:
