19 Sep 2013

A committee on agriculture, rural development, economic activity and services from the parliament of Mozambique is in Botswana to benchmark on the country’s mining and agricultural sectors.

During a courtesy call on the Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Margaret Nasha on September 18, the committee expressed confidence and optimism that it will reap generous rewards from the benchmarking exercise. The seven member delegation, led by Member of Parliament Francisco Mucanheira explained that the purpose of their visit was to learn more about Botswana’s mining and agriculture industry, especially animal husbandry.

Mr Mucanheira said Mozambique was drafting laws regarding land, forestry, agriculture and mining and as such wanted to benchmark on Botswana before finalising the bill.

“We all know of Botswana’s economic success especially in mining revenue and the beef industry. We believe the two industries can bring much needed revenue to Mozambique. For this to be realised there should be laws and systems in place which will enable proper production and marketing of the two commodities on a sustainable and profitable basis, as it is the case in Botswana,” said Mr Mucanheira.

For his part, the Ambassador of Mozambique to Botswana told Dr Nasha that the Mozambican parliament has eight parliamentary committees made from 250 members elected from the country’s 11 districts.

He added that Mozambique also wants to benchmark from Botswana on land ownership, as currently land in Mozambique belongs to the state. In response, Dr Nasha said most activities in Botswana are guided by policies which are normally adopted by parliament.

She further explained that land in Botswana is held by the tribe but administered by the Department of Lands.“The other land belongs to the State and is normally leased for a certain period of time,” said Dr Nasha.

The Mozambican MPs were thrown into bouts of laughter when they were informed that all minerals in Botswana belong to the State, and that a person can be relocated to pave way for mining of such minerals for the benefit of the entire population. However, the MPs were also informed that those who are asked to relocate will always be compensated.

Dr Nasha regrettably informed the delegation that the beef industry, which has been one of the country’s top foreign exchange earners, has not been performing well to the extent that a parliamentary select committee was set up to investigate Botswana Meat Commission (BMC).

She however expressed hope that the report will reveal where improvements need to be done. The delegation later met with the parliamentary portfolio committee on agriculture, lands and housing and that of wildlife, tourism, natural resource and climate change. The visiting Mozambique MPs were also scheduled to visit the BMC abattoir in Lobatse. Ends