BMC sees uptick in global export demand
Sharon Mathala - Mbongeni Mguni | Monday July 28, 2025 10:09
The state-owned beef parastatal reports that its efforts to incentivise supplies are gathering momentum, with a 24% increase in the number of cattle provided during the month of June when compared to the same period in the prior year.
“This is the result of some of the positive interventions including incentivising farmers through better pricing models and more timely payments,” BMC public relations and marketing manager, Shadi Linchwe told BusinessWeek in an emailed response. “BMC is also strengthening partnerships with local farmers and cooperatives to ensure consistent supply, investing in outreach and education programmes to encourage commercial cattle farming and exploring cattle farmers development programmes and other innovations to improve cattle readiness for slaughter. “BMC is also collaborating with government and stakeholders to address systemic issues affecting livestock production.”
The improving throughput is supporting the BMC’s efforts to expand its markets, with more interest being raised across Africa and into the Middle East and Asia. Linchwe confirmed that the commission has recently identified and begun engaging with several new and existing export markets, including countries in the Middle East (such as the United Arab Emirates), regional (Democratic Republic of Congo and Nigeria), parts of Southeast Asia (China), and niche markets in Europe.
“These opportunities have been discovered through a combination of strategic market research, participation in international trade expos, and bilateral trade discussions facilitated by Botswana’s embassies and trade missions. “The growing global demand for traceable, high-quality, and sustainably produced beef has positioned Botswana as a competitive supplier,” Linchwe said.
Asked what was influencing the growing interest in Botswana’s beef from beyond the country’s borders, Linchwe said regions that value pasture-raised and hormone-free meat were particularly drawn to Botswana’s products.
“This demand is influenced by several factors which include Botswana’s disease-free status and adherence to international food safety standards, the natural, grass-fed quality of the cattle which lends our meat a unique flavour profile as well as increasing consumer awareness and preference for ethically sourced meat,” she said.
Additionally, trade agreements and improved logistics infrastructure that facilitate exports, are supporting the BMC’s outward marketing efforts.
The BMC, wholly owned by government, has battled financial challenges over the years due to various factors, including low throughput and frequent disease outbreaks.
Efforts have been made to partly privatise the BMC, but government continues to provide bail-outs which are ultimately aimed at supporting farmers and providing them with a buyer for their cattle.
Despite its challenges, the BMC remains one of the key sectors identified in the country’s priority of becoming an export-led and diversified economy.