02 Mar 2026

Potential investors have been encouraged to position themselves strategically as the town prepares for a major economic transition through the development of the Lobatse Meat and Leather City Special Economic Zone (SEZ).

Addressing a full council meeting recently, Lobatse mayor Mr Aron Ganakgomo called on investors to prepare for emerging opportunities, noting that the town has secured six high-impact projects under the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme (BETP), aimed at transforming the socio-economic landscape of Lobatse and the country at large.

The projects include the development of a primary slaughter facility, Milk Valley Farm expansion, establishment of a dairy farm and processing factory, production of roses for export, development of the Lobatse Meat and Leather SEZ, and fluids manufacturing initiatives.

On the Meat and Leather SEZ, Mayor Ganakgomo said it was a priority project under BETP and had been incorporated into National Development Plan 12 (NDP 12). Phase I of the project will involve the design and servicing of 100 hectares of land.

He further revealed that a feasibility study assessing the viability of developing infrastructure for all SEZs across the country, including Lobatse, through a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model had been completed.

The study report is currently under review by a technical team and a steering committee comprising representatives from eight ministries. The review process is expected to be finalised by the fourth quarter of the 2025/2026 financial year. 

“My plea to all of us is to acquaint ourselves with these government projects with a view to readying ourselves for greater focus on performance and results. I continue to encourage potential investors, both local and international, the business community and Non-Governmental Organisations to strategically position themselves for these opportunities and their value chains,” he said.

Regarding other major developments in town, the mayor said the Botswana Meat Commission (BMC) continued to record steady progress under its turnaround strategy, Thuo Khumo. He noted that the strategy had strengthened operational efficiencies, improved financial discipline and rebuilt trust with farmers.

Over the past year, BMC reduced its payment turnaround time to seven days and reported revenues exceeding P1 billion, as announced during the 2026/2027 Budget Speech , a milestone he described as commendable.

However, he acknowledged that 2026 presented significant setbacks following an outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), which disrupted slaughter operations, restricted cattle movement and affected export flows.

Despite these challenges, Mayor Ganakgomo said BMC had remained focused, with maintenance works, compliance upgrades and other mega projects continuing to ensure operational readiness once restrictions are lifted.

As BMC approaches its 60^th anniversary, he said the progress achieved under the Thuo Khumo strategy and the resilience demonstrated during the FMD period reflect an institution firmly on the path to recovery and long-term sustainability.

Meanwhile, the revitalisation of the Lobatse Tannery project stands at 95 per cent completion and is expected to be finalised in April 2026. The construction of a new Meat Value Addition and Secondary Processing Plant is at 62 per cent completion and is scheduled for commissioning in October 2026. ENDS