As Botswana’s diamond sales continue to face a global downturn, the country is exploring alternative industries to sustain its economy—and one unexpected solution is gaining traction: paper made from elephant manure.
Inspired by a common practice in countries like Turkey, Botswana could soon venture into the eco-friendly paper industry using the vast quantities of elephant dung produced by its large elephant population. The initiative is being championed by an investor who has approached the Minister of Labour and Home Affairs, Retired General Pius Mokgware, seeking government authorization and permits to begin operations.
Botswana is home to the largest elephant population in the world, with approximately 130,000 elephants roaming its national parks and reserves. This significant wildlife asset, traditionally seen through the lens of tourism and conservation, may soon present an economic opportunity in the global eco-product market.
The proposed project aims to transform elephant dung—rich in fibrous plant material—into high-quality, sustainable paper products suitable for domestic use and export. In Turkey and parts of Asia, similar eco-paper industries have proven to be both profitable and environmentally conscious, offering an alternative to wood pulp-based paper and reducing deforestation.
With the global demand for sustainable and biodegradable products on the rise, Botswana’s potential entry into the elephant dung paper industry comes at an opportune time. The initiative could diversify the economy, create jobs, and promote conservation-driven enterprise, all while reducing dependency on diamond revenues.
If successful, Botswana could not only maintain its status as the world’s leading diamond producer by value but also emerge as a leader in the production of eco-friendly elephant manure paper. With exports targeting global eco-conscious markets, this unconventional industry may soon become a valuable component of the country’s economic landscape.
