01 Oct 2025

The long-awaited Tsabong Multi-Species Abattoir has officially reached its completion stage, with IPS Botswana construction company handing over the project to the Ministry of Lands and Agriculture.

The P210 million project, which began in 2021, is expected to bring significant economic opportunities and diversification to the region. Speaking during the project handover in Tsabong recently, the Director of Projects and Procurement at the Ministry of Lands and Agriculture who was also the abattoir project engineer, Mr Ofentse Kgaogano confirmed the project’s readiness, stating it was now at a ‘plug and play stage.’

The facility is well-equipped and includes an admin block, clinic, canteen, slaughter hall, a rendering plant, mini conference room, chillers, livestock receiving block, a workshop, lavatories, portable water plant, and a waste water plant, he said.

Mr Kgaogano also confirmed that most of the equipment has been commissioned, passed inspections, and currently undergoing training for staff. He expressed confidence that water and electricity are available, with a backup generator in place. The facility also plans to implement a solar system as a further backup.

Mr Kgaogano announced that the Botswana Meat Commission would be the main operator of the abattoir. Furthermore, markets for the meat have already been secured in Norway and Belgium. While the project has been handed over, Mr Kgaogano noted that a date for the official opening has not yet been announced, but would be very soon.

Stating the challenges, Mr Kgaogano noted that the project faced challenges during its construction, notably COVID-19 and shortage of steel, which had to be sourced from outside the country, leading to increased costs and delays. 

Despite this, the abattoir was now complete and ready for its next phase.  Mr Kgaogano urged the community to fully utilise the facility to ensure it benefitted them, by so doing avoiding it becoming a ‘white elephant’. He called on locals to support the abattoir by bringing their animals for slaughter. ENDS