06 Jul 2026

As Botswana seeks to expand access to halal meat markets, three newly certified halal slaughtermen say their qualifications will not only create employment opportunities for themselves but also help farmers, butcheries, and poultry producers reach new customers locally and internationally.

The trio recently received their certification from the Gaborone Halal Certification and Islamic Institute. 

Speaking with BOPA, 38-year-old halal inspector, Mr Theetso Sekwale said the certification equipped recipients with the knowledge and skills to carry out slaughter in accordance with Islamic requirements; something he said enabled businesses to meet the halal standards demanded by both local consumers and export markets.

Mr Sekwale explained that halal, an Arabic word meaning “permissible,” refereed to practices that complied with Islamic law which in the context of food governed how animals were slaughtered for consumption by Muslims. 

“Halal slaughter requires a Muslim trained slaughterman, hygienic facilities that meet regulatory standards, the invocation of God’s name before slaughter, and the use of a sharp knife to sever the major veins to allow the animal to be properly bled,” he told BOPA adding that although animals may be stunned before slaughter, the halal slaughter process must still be strictly observed.

He said businesses could become halal certified even if the owner was not Muslim, provided there was compliance with halal-certified slaughtermen practice and set standards. 

He noted that certified halal inspectors regularly assessed abattoirs and processing facilities to ensure ongoing compliance with halal requirements.

Mr Sekwale highlighted that Botswana already has halal-certified facilities, including the Botswana Meat Commission (BMC) and Gaborone Butchery, demonstrating the country’s capacity to meet international halal standards. 

He emphasised that halal certification presented a significant opportunity for Botswana’s livestock sector, particularly as many countries in the Middle East required imported meat to be halal certified.

Me Sekwale added that while the cattle industry continued to face challenges brought about by Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), the poultry sector presented an immediate opportunity for Batswana and has thus encouraged poultry farmers and meat businesses to employ halal-certified slaughtermen so they could supply halal-certified chicken to a broader market, including Muslim consumers and restaurants serving Middle Eastern and Pakistani cuisine. 

Another newly certified halal slaughterman is 32-year-old Arbeton Kwape from Mochudi. Mr Kwape, who grew up in Rasesa, was introduced to Islam while attending an Islamic school after his regular classes.

He has previously worked as a halal slaughterman for Tswana Pride and has since transitioned to cattle slaughter. 

He expressed optimism that this certification would open up new employment opportunities. 

Thirty-four year-old Kaene Marco Mmusi from Mochudi  is yet another hala certified slaughterman who recently received training and having being inspired by the Islamic family to pursue halal certification. 

He echoed both Mr Sekwale and Mr Kwape words and urged business owners to seek halal certification and employ qualified halal slaughtermen to avoid missing out on potential local and international markets. 

He has also encouraged members of the public to learn more about halal practices to dispel misconceptions surrounding halal food and certification, adding that the certification programme remained open to anyone interested in acquiring the necessary knowledge and skills. ENDS