31 Mar 2026

Pandamatenga, the country’s premier agricultural hub, has been designated a special economic zone (SEZ) to accelerate its growth from primary farming to a comprehensive regional value chain, maximizing economic output.

Assistant Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship, Mr Baratiwa Mathoothe, emphasised that the Chobe District offered a unique combination of agricultural potential, logistics connectivity, and cross-border trade access. 

“Transformation must be deliberate, targeted and anchored on flagship programmes that respond to real macro regional opportunities and challenges,” he said.

The Zambezi Integrated Agro Commercial Development (ZIACD) Project, anchored at the Pandamatenga SEZ, is one of 12 flagship programmes identified by the Ministry. 

Mr Mathoothe highlighted the importance of adopting modern agricultural practices, such as smart irrigation systems, digital soil monitoring and precision farming tools

“We must move from the farm to the factory, from the factory to the market, and we no longer wish to simply export raw grain. 

We want to produce flour, oils, animal feed, packaged foods, and value-added products that can compete regionally and globally.”

Minister of Environment and Tourism, Ms Wynter Mmolotsi, emphasised the need to unlock Chobe’s potential as a premier tourism destination, leveraging its unique competitive edge. 

The ministry’s 10-year National Tourism Strategy and Master Plan aim to increase the average length of stay and spend per tourist in the Chobe region.

Government, he said was seeking private sector investment and collaboration to unlock Chobe’s potential and stimulate growth. 

Several high-value tourism development sites have been identified in Kasane and Kazungula, and are open for private sector partnership.ENDS