Namibia’s Okapuka Tannery Targets New Global Markets After Sustainability Audit

Okapuka Tannery is targeting new markets in the EU, SADC, AfCFTA and Asia after completing its latest Sustainable Leather Foundation audit. The Meatco-operated tannery also plans to move further up the value chain and increase production of higher-value leather products in Namibia.

Namibia’s Okapuka Tannery is looking to expand its international customer base after completing its latest sustainability audit by the Sustainable Leather Foundation (SLF), while also planning to move further into higher value leather production.

The Meatco operated tannery currently exports its leather to Italy, South Africa, Kenya, Zimbabwe and Ghana. It is now pursuing new opportunities in the European Union, Southern African Development Community (SADC), African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and Asian markets.

The successful SLF audit marks an important step for the tannery as international leather buyers increasingly assess environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance across their supply chains. The SLF framework provides an independent benchmark for responsible and sustainable practices across the leather value chain.

“This achievement strengthens Namibia’s position as a potential supplier to premium international markets,” said Meatco Interim Chief Executive Officer, Albertus Aochamub.

The company’s focus, however, extends beyond market expansion. Meatco wants to capture more value from Namibia’s livestock resources by gradually moving up the leather value chain rather than relying mainly on exports of intermediate products.

“We must move beyond exporting intermediate products and unlock more value here at home,” Aochamub said, pointing to finished leather and other higher-value products as opportunities for industrialisation, employment, export earnings and stronger returns from the country’s livestock sector.

The combination of traceable raw material sourcing and sustainability certification could strengthen Okapuka’s positioning as it seeks new customers. For leather manufacturers, meeting recognised sustainability standards is increasingly becoming an important part of gaining access to international supply chains, particularly in markets where buyers place greater emphasis on responsible sourcing and production.

The expansion strategy also reflects Namibia’s broader ambition to retain more value from its livestock industry. Moving from wet blue towards finished leather and other downstream products could create opportunities to develop domestic processing capacity while generating additional jobs and export revenue.

For Okapuka, the next challenge will be converting its sustainability credentials and locally sourced raw-material advantage into broader market access and greater value addition. Its push into new regions could mark another step in Namibia’s efforts to build a more competitive and integrated leather value chain.