20 Mar 2024

As the sun dips below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the sprawling fields of Mannaesi Farm, otherwise known as Selebi Phikwe Citrus farm, anticipation fills the air for the upcoming first harvest.

On this day, March 21, President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi will gather his hay, marking a significant milestone since planting the first citrus seed in December 2020.

This symbolic gesture underscores the pivotal role of the agricultural sector in propelling Botswana towards a brighter and more prosperous future.

Then, on the dawn ofMarch 22, a momentous occasion awaits as President Masisi, in the company of Prime Minister Philip Davis of The Bahamas, embarks on an exclusive tour of the lush Selebi Phikwe Citrus farm.

President Masisi’s invitation to Prime Minister Davis for the Selebi Phikwe Citrus farm tour is not incidental.

Thus, Prime Minister Davis’ visit to Botswana is a sequel to President Masisi’s state visit to The Bahamas in September last year, during which the two nations signed a Memorandum of Understanding to foster economic development and ensure mutual progress.

The visit was hailed as a golden opportunity to strengthen ties between Botswana and The Bahamas, besides identifying areas of mutual benefit and growth. Consequently, amid the warmth of diplomatic relations, the two leaders engaged in fruitful discussions with a keen eye on key sectors such as tourism and agriculture.

The aim was to uncover synergies and opportunities for joint advancement.

The exchange underscored a shared commitment to fostering sustainable growth and prosperity through bilateral cooperation.

Notably, beyond the formalities of diplomatic exchanges, Prime Minister Davis’ visit to Botswana symbolises the essence of true friendship - an enduring bond cultivated through care, respect and unwavering effort.

As such, the two leaders’ footsteps on March 22 will echo the strides taken in diplomacy, as they explore avenues to deepen bilateral ties and chart a course for future cooperation.

With each handshake and exchange of ideas, the seeds of friendship are sown anew, promising a harvest of prosperity and mutual understanding.

With The Bahamas also experiencing a surge in citrus production, it is a symbolic gesture that speaks volumes about the shared aspirations and parallel trajectories of both countries in the agricultural sector.

Research shows that The Bahamas’ citrus production is expected to reach 34 220 metric tonnes by 2026, with an impressive growth trend averaging an annual rate of 11.46 per cent. On the other hand, set against the backdrop of the P500 million Selebi Phikwe Citrus project, Botswana anticipates its first harvest of lemons, oranges, grapefruits, and naartjies.

With an ambitious international export target of 70 per cent, the fruits are poised to make a splash in global markets, showcasing Botswana’s growing presence in the citrus industry.

The remaining harvest will find its way into local markets and neighbouring countries, marking a significant step in Botswana’s agricultural diversification efforts.

In the meantime, Botswana’s current annual citrus production is estimated at 3 165 metric tonnes, which is just 2.64 per cent of local demand.

A small percentage of the project’s annual production will be set aside for agro-processing into fruit juice and other products.

Botswana has currently secured the European Union and the United States markets and is also targeting other markets in Asia, Canada, China, Japan, Middle East and the United Kingdom.

As of now, Botswana’s citrus industry is buoyed by 172 growers, the majority of whom (over 90 per cent) are small-scale farmers managing citrus orchards spanning less than five hectares.

The remaining 10 per cent are medium-sized to large-scale farmers, and the sector currently supports just over 1 000 jobs.

Still, on Friday (March 22), President Masisi is expected to perform the 100MW Mmadinare Solar Cluster ground-breaking.

The project is said to be the largest renewable procurement signed under a binding 25-year Power Purchase Agreement  between government and Scatec, a Norwegian independent power producer.

The agreement was signed in Gaborone in August 2022.

Minister of Minerals and Energy, Mr Lefoko Moagi, will also attend the ground-breaking ceremony. Ends