15 Oct 2026

 The 7th edition of Tholo Holdings poultry exposition 2026 will be officially opened on Saturday in Gabane.

 The expo, which commenced on Thursday provides a platform for farmers, suppliers, experts and other agricultural stakeholders to share knowledge, network and explore business opportunities. The poultry expo will be held under the theme: From farm to Fork; The Future of Poultry. 

Speaking during Tholo Holdings press conference on Tuesday in Gabane, Tholo Holdings Operations Manager Mr Kabelo Kaparang said what started as cattle auctions and farmers’ day had grown into a poultry expo which reflected their commitment to developing the agriculture sector in Botswana. 

He said diversification of the agricultural sector remained paramount not only to Tholo Holdings but the country at large especially in the advent of the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD).  

  “Botswana needs to diversify its economy, and agriculture presents a real opportunity to create jobs, support entrepreneurship and strengthen food security”. 

Mr Kaparang said challenges such as FMD outbreak have highlighted the need to strengthen other agricultural sectors including poultry, adding that agriculture allowed people to start small and grow their business overtime.

He further said with the right support, skills and market access, it could make a meaningful contribution to economic recovery.

The operations manager added that poultry offered opportunities for relatively quick returns, particularly in broiler production where chickens could reach market weight within approximately five to six weeks under good management. 

Mr Kaparang said at Tholo Holdings they were increasing their poultry feed manufacturing capacity and working to improve chick availability to help farmers access essential inputs and grow their operations.  

“We want to give farmers access to practical knowledge, industry experts, suppliers and potential business patterns and by supporting local farmers we can also stimulate economic activity and create opportunities for businesses throughout the agricultural value chain.” 

The operations manager added that agriculture was a business opportunity and one needed not to start big but to begin with what was possible, acquire necessary knowledge, understand market, and grow gradually.  

Mr Kaparang said agriculture had the potential to create jobs, grow businesses and contribute to Botswana’s economic recovery. ENDS