In February 2023, South Africa's Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) and NAMC (National Agricultural Marketing Council) passed the statutory levy for Beef, Pork, Lamb, and Poultry, including Mechanically Deboned Meat (MDM) imported into South Africa, according to a recent press release from the Association of Meat Importers and Exporters (AMIE).

The levy will empower AMIE to further our vision of commitment to exceeding members’ expectations by providing strategic solutions and innovative thinking, resulting in the sustainable growth of the meat and poultry import and export sector

One of the key activities AMIE would like to drive with the funding it receives as part of the levy will be to establish an AMIE Academy. While training and development is not AMIE's main business focus, the Association is earnest about developing a representative industry. The Association has scoped out an annual development programme with partners in the training and development sector. The Academy will support and empower new entrants into the sector by offering not only an annual development programme but also opportunities for internships, bursaries, and co-sponsorships in a practical work environment. AMIE also foresees that a dedicated curriculum that is industry-specific will be needed to ensure that these emerging entrepreneurs have a solid business foundation and understanding of the industry.

The AMIE Academy launched at the end of June 2023.