Local grain shortfall deepens import dependence
Laone Choeunyane | Tuesday July 7, 2026 11:34
The extent of the production shortfall was highlighted during a recent media tour of Bolux's P800 million manufacturing facility in Ramotswa, organised by the Maize and Wheat Millers Association (MWMA). Whilst the facility stands as one of Botswana's most advanced food processing plants, company executives revealed that local wheat and maize production remains far below demand.
Bolux Managing Director Melinda Jacobs said the company is committed to supporting local farmers and is currently sourcing wheat from a farmer in Pandamatenga who has 2,000 tonnes available for purchase. However, she noted that national production levels remain inadequate.
'We are currently working with a Pandamatenga wheat farmer who has tonnes of wheat available, which we will be purchasing. So we do support local farmers as much as we can,' she said.
According to Jacobs, Botswana produced only 3,000 tonnes of wheat last year, an amount that falls well below the company's monthly requirements. Local wheat accounts for less than 10% of the grain milled by Bolux in a typical month. The situation is even more concerning for maize, with no locally produced maize available for milling during the same period.
The figures expose a growing disconnect between Botswana's agricultural output and its industrial ambitions. While manufacturers continue to expand production capacity and create jobs, local farmers are not producing enough grain to supply the market, leaving the country vulnerable to external supply shocks and fluctuations in global commodity prices.
For a country that has long prioritised food security and agricultural development, the persistent reliance on imported grain raises important questions about the effectiveness of efforts to increase domestic production. It also underscores the urgent need to strengthen commercial grain farming if Botswana is to reduce its dependence on foreign suppliers.
Yet within the challenge lies a significant opportunity. The demand for wheat and maize already exists, with established processors such as Bolux actively seeking local suppliers. Increased grain production would not only help close the import gap but also strengthen local value chains, create employment opportunities, and retain more economic value within Botswana.
Beyond the supply concerns, the tour showcased Bolux's commitment to quality, food safety and operational excellence. The company, which employs more than 750 Batswana, produces a range of staple foods including flour, maize meal, instant porridge, baking flour and yeast, serving households and major food outlets across the country.
Bolux is also investing a further P60 million to expand production capacity and create additional jobs, demonstrating confidence in Botswana's manufacturing potential.