02 Feb 2021

Botswana Meat Commission (BMC) has urged local businesses to tap into the beef market value chain for economic diversification .

Speaking in an interview, BMC chief strategy officer Mr Brian Dioka said with Botswana’s economic mainstay particularly, the diamond and tourism sectors recently facing a plunge in financial performance due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the beef market value chain presented business opportunities in goods and services supported under the space of secondary processing.

He said BMC’s primary mandate was to process meat and have it ready for consumption however and the secondary processing demonstrated opportunities that businesses could explore.

Mr Dioka highlighted that the secondary byproducts within the value chain stood a good potential to boost the country’s Gross Domestic Product. Notably, he said businesses should tap into pursuing ventures emanating from the value chain being, tannery; production of dog feeds/pallets; medicinal products; energy drinks; setting feedlots; and provision of refrigeration transport services to mention but a few.

Mr Dioka reiterated that with the South Region, Cape Town having a decent market for beef products, Batswana should consider exploring the market presented for distribution of BMC products, either through setting restaurants or warehouses there.

He illustrated that BMC facilitated the canning of beef products such as Serobe and other related products and offered assistance in soliciting the market where necessary.

Mr Dioka said it was paramount for Batswana to acquaint themselves with BMC and its beef market portfolio to appreciate what was key within the beef market value chain. ENDS