AGRIBANK has pledged to work with clients affected by the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak, offering case-by-case repayment arrangements and support options to help protect agribusinesses amid restrictions on livestock movement and trade.
The bank’s chief executive officer, Robert Eiman, recently announced that Agribank would assess support requests individually to help affected clients navigate the impact of the outbreak.
The outbreak was confirmed on 23 September 2026 at a commercial farm in the //Kharas Region by the acting minister of agriculture, fisheries, water and land reform, Charles Mubita.
Following the announcement, the ministry, through the directorate of veterinary services, introduced precautionary disease-control measures, including restrictions on the movement and marketing of cloven-hoofed animals and animal products.
Agribank said the restrictions could affect clients differently depending on the nature and extent of their farming and agricultural enterprise operations.
“The extent of the impact may differ across farming and agri enterprises operations of our clients,” Eiman said.
Eiman added that support would not follow a one-size-fits-all approach, with each request assessed on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the client’s circumstances.
The bank said affected clients were encouraged to engage it to discuss how the outbreak and associated restrictions had affected or could affect their operations.
Agribank will work with each client to identify appropriate repayment arrangements and support options, guided by its policies and procedures.
Eiman also called on stakeholders, communities and businesses to comply with the restrictions and measures introduced to contain the outbreak and restore normal livestock farming and trading conditions.
He said early engagement between the bank and affected clients would help identify practical solutions while protecting the agricultural sector and safeguarding Agribank’s long-term sustainability.
Clients seeking assistance have been advised to contact their nearest or preferred Agribank branch.
