Botswana Meat Commision to build new US$17M meat processing plant in Lobatse

BOTSWANA – The Botswana Meat Commission (BMC) is constructing a new meat value-addition and secondary processing facility at its Lobatse abattoir, with estimated construction costs of around US$17 million.

The project is intended to replace the existing ECCO Cannery plant that has been in use since 1978, with expectations that the new site will modernize processing operations and support a stronger business model for the state-owned parastatal.

According to BMC, the facility is projected to generate returns within two years after operations begin and contribute an additional US$26 million annually to the company’s revenue.

During the construction phase, about 135 temporary jobs are expected to be created, while between 40 and 60 permanent positions will be available once the plant is running.

The work is being carried out under a Design and Build Model by China Jiangsu International Botswana, while AMA Projects is serving as the project manager.

Progress on the site currently stands at 34 percent, according to Lobatse Town Council deputy mayor Legodile Mothibi, with completion set for June 2026.

Rising cattle supply and market expansion

The new development follows BMC’s announcement in July that cattle numbers supplied in June had increased by 24% compared to the same period last year.

The growth was linked to improved pricing strategies, faster payment systems, and closer collaboration with farmers and cooperatives, which the commission has been prioritizing.

In addition, BMC has been running outreach and training programs aimed at promoting commercial cattle production and preparing animals for slaughter more efficiently.

The state-owned company is also engaging with government departments and industry players to tackle challenges within the livestock sector that have affected supply in previous years.

Regional and global demand

BMC has been eyeing new markets, with interest coming from buyers in the United Arab Emirates, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, and China, along with some niche outlets in Europe.

These opportunities have emerged from trade expos, bilateral talks, and support from Botswana’s embassies, which have played a role in opening discussions with potential importers.

The expansion efforts come as domestic meat consumption continues to climb, with cattle and poultry making up the largest share of demand, though wildlife remains a key protein source in rural areas.

Industry data shows cattle meat consumption stood at 24 kilotonnes in 2020, while poultry intake reached 3.9 kilograms per person in 2021.

Market projections indicate the value of Botswana’s meat industry will reach US$1.01 billion by 2025, up from US$613 million in 2019, supported by a compound annual growth rate of more than 7 percent.

Per capita spending on meat rose from US$245 in 2019 to US$306 in 2023.

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