22 Jun 2022

Some investors from Dubai have expressed interest in partnering with Botswana Development Corporation (BDC) in the Milk Afric project.

The interest comes after the large scale dairy project, which was expected to significantly increase milk production in Botswana and boost the economy of Lobatse, experienced a series of delays for several years. 

Addressing a full council meeting on Tuesday, Lobatse mayor, Mr Jomo Dithebe revealed that the Dubai based investors expressed interest on the project after a stopover at the Milk Afric farm during their visit to Botswana.

He further explained that negotiations between BDC and a technical partner that was identified to partner BDC in implementing the project elapsed last month. He said the technical partner was slow in committing to the project, after being identified in June last year, following cutting of ties with the original investor.

“BDC is to date re-assessing its position on the prospective partnership following significant deviations from the original proposal by the technical partner and the slow progress in committing to the advancement of the project by the technical partner,” said the mayor.

Mr Dithebe further explained that implementation of the milking plan for the project was now approved. He said the plan entailed the development of all remaining infrastructure required by the project so that the farm could be ready to house dairy cows and start operations once cows were identified.

“A dairy specialist has also been engaged and has to date reviewed the plans and advised on what has to be considered prior to commencement of construction. It is envisaged that developments will commence before the end of this month,” said the mayor.

Mr Dithebe also pointed that continuation of the ban on importation of cloven hooved animals from South Africa due to the Foot & Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak continued to be an obstacle to sourcing cheaper dairy cows from South Africa.

He said BDC and Milk Afric were now in discussions with consultants to identify dairy cows from countries not in the FMD red zone, and to explore a solution of utilising embryos in host cows. 

The Milk Afric project was launched in 2016, as a public private partnership between BDC and a private investor, with Lobatse Town Council providing land for the project. ENDs