Vice President Mr. Ndaba Gaolatlhe has called on Batswana to start viewing agriculture not just as a survival activity but as a vital economic pillar—“the country’s next mineral”—capable of driving wealth creation, exports, and national dignity. Speaking at the official opening of the Kgatleng District Trade and Agricultural Show last week, he stressed the urgent need to shift mindsets and embrace agriculture as a powerful engine for Botswana’s economic growth.
“The time has come to stop seeing agriculture as mere survival and start building industries around it,” Vice President Gaolatlhe told attendees. He emphasized that agriculture has now taken centre stage in the government’s broader economic strategy, playing a leading role in advancing food security, economic recovery, and rural development.
Vice President Gaolatlhe highlighted the untapped potential of Botswana’s land, livestock, and rich agricultural knowledge. “We must unlock the full value of these assets to drive sustainable development,” he said.
Backing these words with action, he pointed to the government’s recent commitment of P230 million towards the Botswana Meat Commission to support its recovery. This significant investment is already yielding tangible results, with construction underway for a new meat value-addition plant and the refurbishment of the Lobatse tannery.
“These developments are designed to restore trust in the meat industry, improve farmer earnings, and boost exports,” he explained. By strengthening the entire value chain, from production to processing and export, the government aims to position Botswana’s agriculture sector as a competitive and sustainable contributor to the national economy.
Vice President Gaolatlhe’s remarks underline the government’s vision to transform agriculture into a dynamic industry that not only ensures food security but also delivers economic empowerment and dignity to rural communities. As Botswana moves forward, embracing agriculture with the same seriousness as its mineral resources could unlock new opportunities for growth and prosperity across the country.
