20 Feb 2019

Assistant Minister of Agricultural Development and Food Security, Mr Konstantinos Markus says the feasibility study on liberation of the Botswana beef export market has recommended that a few preliminary requirements be put in place prior to the removal of the monopoly.

Mr Markus stated that among other things, the beef and cattle industry transformation strategy had to be developed, and that the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry was working on it. He also said the beef cluster competitiveness reinforcement initiative addressing the value chain was also to be developed, adding that the national strategy office was leading the initiative.

Mr Markus also said in order to end monopoly, BMC was to be privatised and a livestock and meat regulator was to be established.

He said it was only after these had been met that the Bill to amend the Act could be tabled before Parliament, which he said, would be in the November session. The Member of Parliament for Ghanzi North, Mr Noah Salakae had asked the minister to state when they intended to table a Bill to amend the BMC Act in order to end the BMC beef export monopoly. ENDS