25 Apr 2026

In the phase of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak and European Union Botswana beef suspension, the Botswana Meat Commission (BMC) has accelerated efforts to diversify its global export footprint and explore other markets in the interim.

Addressing FMD Pitso 2026 in Lobatse on Thursday, acting BMC CEO Ms Mmabasotho Tibe said while the Norway and EU markets continued to offer premium value under existing trade arrangements, the BMC had achieved notable progress in opening high growth, less restrictive markets across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Greater Africa and Asia.

This strategic shift, she said shaped a more resilient, multimarket export architecture designed to secure the long-term sustainability, profitability, and competitiveness of Botswana’s beef industry.

She said the GCC region remained central to BMC’s ‘Less rigorous or High Return’ market strategy due to moderate compliance burdens and strong consumer demand.

Nonetheless, she said it was critical to preserve the quality of Botswana beef and strive to continue to maintain the EU market standards or even exceed them once the suspension is lifted. ENDS