20 Oct 2026

The renewed livestock export dispensation introduces measures aimed at widening participation in export markets, with government limiting permits and increasing the levy on live cattle exports.

Speaking in a media Engagement on Monday in Gaborone, minister of Lands and Agriculture, Dr Edwin Dikoloti, said that each farmer or livestock buyer would be limited to a single export permit under the new arrangement.

“The live cattle export levy has been increased from P30 to P300 per head, while the domestic slaughter levy will remain at P30 per head until the domestic market stabilises sufficiently for a formal review.”

He said meat exports under the dispensation will be restricted to citizens and citizen-owned companies.

Dr Dikoloti said the revised conditions were intended to promote inclusivity and ensure that more farmers benefited from export opportunities.

He noted that the previous live cattle export dispensation, introduced in 2019, had been renewed four times over six years before concluding on April 30, 2025.

“During its operation, more than 551,570 cattle were exported, mainly to South Africa and Namibia,” he said.

He said the programme provided an alternative market to the BMC, particularly during drought periods and delays in normal slaughter operations.

However, Dr Dikoloti said the benefits had not been evenly distributed, with a relatively small number of participants capturing a disproportionate share of the opportunities.

“The new arrangement is therefore intended to improve access to export markets while helping farmers reduce accumulated livestock numbers and improve their cash flow,” he said.

Dr Dikoloti said the dispensation would also assist farmers in meeting financial obligations, paying workers and maintaining their farming operations following months of movement restrictions and market disruptions.

Under the revised measures, live cattle exports will be permitted for six months, while meat and meat product exports will operate under a 12-month dispensation.

Live cattle exports will be limited to slaughter-ready steers, while individual livestock slaughter will be permitted across all zones, subject to conditions determined by the prevailing disease situation and applicable veterinary requirements.

The changes come as government continues efforts to contain FMD and restore confidence in Botswana’s livestock industry.

 

Dr Dikoloti said the outbreak, which began in January this year, had disrupted trade and placed livelihoods under pressure, necessitating interventions to protect the national herd and prevent further economic losses.

Government has redirected approximately P97 million towards disease control, including vaccination campaigns, surveillance, fencing and enhanced biosecurity.

The minister said restoring market access had to be balanced with measures to prevent further transmission of the disease.

He urged farmers to continue complying with veterinary requirements, warning that the export dispensation did not remove the need for disease-control measures.

Dr Dikoloti said the government had remained committed to protecting livestock, restoring markets and supporting the long-term sustainability of Botswana’s beef industry. ENDS