Botswana�s annual steel import bill at P775m
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
Pula Steel and government officials at the launch of the plant
Officially launching the factory here yesterday, Masisi said local steel demand last year was met primarily by South Africa and China.
He said steel was a basic commodity required by any developing economy for infrastructural developments, mines and construction. According to international trade statistics, SADC imported P36 billion worth of steel in 2014 and the local demand amounted to P775 million.
That should concern every Motswana. The implications extend far beyond cattle and farmers. Botswana’s beef industry is a critical pillar of the economy, supporting thousands of households and sustaining businesses along the value chain.The loss of access to lucrative export markets has already demonstrated how quickly an animal-health crisis can become an economic crisis.This is, therefore, not the time for complacency, blame, or political...