Namibia’s Swakara industry is steadily strengthening, driven by rising global pelt prices, increased wool demand and enhanced sustainability standards.
This was announced by the Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU) in its annual report for 2023/24, which says the industry remains focused on strategic global engagement, ensuring long-term growth and stability for Swakara producers.
The Swakara Board of Namibia is an affiliate of the NAU.
According to board chairperson Julene Meyer, the industry experienced a positive year in 2024, marked by strong auction results and renewed global interest.
“The March 2024 Saga Furs auction in Helsinki, Finland, saw a 90% sales rate, with black pelts averaging N$453 per pelt and white pelts reaching an impressive average of N$1 294,” she says.
The highest price achieved was N$3 175 for a lot of KFlatPlatinum white pelts.
“The improved market performance was well received by producers, reflecting increased confidence in the fur industry,” she says, adding that the next Swakara auction is scheduled for March 2025.
To date, the Swakara board has received about 7 000 fresh pelts in preparation of that auction.
There was no auction in September 2024 because of late and sporadic rainfall that affected lambing schedules, however, ongoing negotiations with two international fashion houses had helped to stabilise the pricing of pre-auction sales of white pelts, Meyer says.
According to the NAU, the annual Swakara Industry Forum took place on 17 September 2024 at Keetmanshoop, where international guest speaker Kari Huotari provided insights into global market trends.
During the event, Lovedale Farming was awarded both the grand champion Swakara ram and white champion ram titles.
Garrick Husselman received the ‘golden lamb’ award for outstanding service to the industry.
The next forum is scheduled for 11 September.
Meanwhile, the Swakara Breeders Society held its annual elite ram auction on 18 September 2024, where a total of 19 rams were sold, averaging N$6 763, with the highest price being N$17 000 for a white ram.
The industry forum was held alongside the annual general meeting, allowing breeders to review progress and plan industry developments.
As of 31 July 2024, the society had 11 registered breeders managing 1 364 registered Swakara sheep.
The Swakara wool sector has shown promising growth, with exports to South Africa resuming in 2023.
In addition to the existing and well-established Swakara carpet weavers, a new operation started at Stampriet, which resulted in an increased demand and price for Swakara wool.
According to the NAU, Swakara producers continue to adhere to the Furmark global certification and traceability standards for sustainable fur production.
The union says the international fur market continues to recover.
At the May 2024 Saga Furs auction, 96% of 3.8 million mink pelts were sold, demonstrating sustained demand.
However, fox and Finn raccoon pelts faced weaker sales, with only 50% of offerings sold.
Mink prices increased by an average of 6% compared to March 2024, providing optimism for continued market recovery.
– email: matthew@namibian.com.na
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