The owner of international food-processing company Tönnies Holding ApS & Co plans to open a company in Namibia specialising in the slaughtering, butchering, processing and refining of pork and beef.

Clemence Tönnies last week informed President Hage Geingob about his plans during a courtesy visit at State House.

Geingob welcomed the investment, but pointed out that Namibia only accepts investors willing to hold hands by focusing on beneficiation, and addressing the high youth unemployment.

“Some of our beef is at limited places or zones. We need to clean that up so that we have enough beef to export. If you come and join us, then perfect. It is a thumbs up; we already have markets. Youth unemployment is the biggest problem in the country. Employ them, otherwise there is a threat to the peace and democracy we are currently enjoying in this country because people don’t eat those things. We welcome good investors who are willing to add value here,” he added.

The Tönnies Group is a German family business in the meat industry which operates internationally. Its core business involves pork and beef processing.

For pork, Tönnies is the German market leader. With revenue of over €6 billion [over N$142 billion], the company is one of the largest meat groups in Europe.

Through its subsidiaries, the company processes and supplies pork and beef, sausages and ingredients.

Tonnies Holding also offers slaughtering, butchering and processing of pigs, saws and cattle. It serves customers worldwide.