Tanzania has continued to strengthen its position as a regional leader in livestock management after experts from Namibia visited the country to learn how livestock permits are issued and monitored to support safe trade and disease control.
The delegation visited the Northern Zone Veterinary Centre (ZVC) in Arusha and the Namanga border post to study Tanzania’s systems for issuing permits for livestock and livestock products traded within and outside the country.
The visit is expected to benefit citizens, especially livestock keepers and traders, by promoting better systems that support smooth cross-border trade, improve animal health services and strengthen regional cooperation in the livestock sector.
Speaking in Arusha on May 27, 2026, on behalf of the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Acting Assistant Director for Public Health Services, Dr. Shabani Tozzo, said the Namibian delegation included officials from the ministries responsible for Agriculture, Lands, Livestock and Fisheries.
He said the experts were impressed by Tanzania’s livestock permit issuance procedures and the identification and tracking systems used to monitor the movement of animals and livestock products.
Dr. Tozzo noted that the exchange of knowledge between Tanzania and Namibia demonstrates the growing confidence other African countries have in Tanzania’s livestock management systems.
“This cooperation strengthens diplomatic relations and creates opportunities for improving livestock services, trade and disease control for the benefit of our people,” he said.
He added that effective permit systems are important in protecting livestock farmers from disease outbreaks while also helping traders access local and international markets more efficiently.
For ordinary citizens, improved livestock systems mean safer livestock products, stronger livestock business opportunities and increased economic growth in communities that depend on livestock keeping.
Meanwhile, the head of the Namibian delegation, Dr. Vistorina Bernhard, who oversees the control of livestock and livestock product imports and exports in Namibia, described the visit as highly beneficial.
She said the practical lessons learned in Tanzania would help Namibia improve its own livestock and fisheries sectors.
“We have learned a lot from Tanzania through practical experience and direct observation. The knowledge gained here will help improve our systems back home,” she said.
The visit also highlights Tanzania’s growing role in sharing expertise with other African countries in efforts aimed at improving food security, livestock trade and regional economic cooperation.
