Christiaan De Graaff, Botswana’s Minister of Agriculture, discusses recent trends in the agriculture sector and highlights its importance to the national economy. He also cites opportunities for foreign investors in Botswana’s agriculture and food-processing industries.
European Times: What are some recent developments in Botswana’s agriculture sector?
Christiaan De Graaff: Botswana has been modernising the sector through research and through implementing international practices. Researchers have developed a new breed of cattle and new crops, and new farm machinery and technologies are being implemented. The Ministry of Agriculture is promoting proper crop husbandry and the diversification of our agricultural production to include non-traditional crops with high returns, such as sunflowers. Botswana is now self-sufficient in beef and chicken production and is a top source of beef for the EU. Our horticulture production is growing and now accounts for 54% of Botswana’s demand for fruits and vegetables compared to 27% in 2005. The NAMPAADD programme focuses on introducing modern farming technologies and the ministry has established training farms to showcase these technologies. In addition, government support programmes are helping farmers be more productive.
European Times: How can your ministry assist foreign investors interested in Botswana’s agriculture sector?
Christiaan De Graaff: The ministry has created a special unit for investors, the Agricultural Hub, and the government offers a number of incentives for investment in agriculture. These include help in obtaining land, information on appropriate technologies, facilitated resident and work permits, support for accessing credit, streamlined import and export permits, support for certain crops, and the Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme for citizen companies.
European Times: Why should international investors choose Botswana?
Christiaan De Graaff: Botswana is stable, abides by the rule of law so there is no fear that property will be appropriated, has no foreign-exchange controls, allows for free repatriation of profits, and offers generally low land-rental prices. Botswana’s location in the heart of the SADC region is another major advantage.
European Times: What are your main goals for the agriculture sector in the next five years?
Christiaan De Graaff: The ministry wants to develop and encourage the use of hybrid seeds and put the emphasis on using improved technologies. The ministry will also rigorously implement Botswana’s revised agricultural policy and make more land available for farming, as well as work to provide better basic infrastructure in production areas.
European Times: What is your personal message to potential investors?
Christiaan De Graaff: Botswana is the right place to invest with peace of mind. Botswana is investor-friendly.
